Dr. Kristina Butler
I am a field-based sedimentologist who dabbles in geochemistry, mineralogy, and geochrology.
I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas. My research group is centered around 3 themes:
1. The origin and enrichment of brine- and sediment-hosted critical mineral resources
2. Terrestrial depositional systems and their paleoclimate records
3. The drivers and consequences of high topography
I am a first-generation geoscience student. My path into science was winding and somewhat non-traditional. I am always happy to chat about career planning, mental health and wellness in academia, and all things lakes, lagoons, lithium and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the geosciences! Check out my other website www.futurerockdoc.com for resources for geoscience students.
Owen McCaffrey
PhD Student UTD
I am a PhD student in the Sustainable Earth System Sciences Program at UT Dallas. My curiosity in earth science is broad but centers on using geochemistry and sedimentology to learn about the accumulation and distribution of earth’s resources. The primary theme of my PhD research is understanding lithium accumulation and distribution in closed basin systems. Currently, I am focused on determining the role of clay minerals in the lithium cycle of Andean brine systems. My motivation for this work stems from our societal challenge to improve the sustainability and cost effectiveness of resource extraction.
Niloofar Mesbah
PhD Student UTD
I am a Ph.D. student in Geosciences in Dr. Butler’s research group, focusing on the formation and enrichment of lithium deposits in sedimentary basins across North America. My research centers on the isotope geochemistry of lithium-rich oilfield brines in major North American sedimentary basins, and I bring expertise in GIS, remote sensing, and water resource management. I earned my M.S. in Geographic Information Sciences from the University of Texas at Dallas and my B.S. in Water Science and Engineering from Isfahan University of Technology.
Madigan Blake
PhD Student UTD
I am a PhD student at the University of Texas at Dallas working on lithium-rich oilfield brines in the Alberta Basin. I earned my Bachelor's of Geosciences from UTD in 2023. I am researching the Li-rich oilfield brines in the Devonian reservoirs of the Alberta Basin, Canada. I am interested in careers in careers working towards the clean energy transition.
Reagan Pennington
PhD Student UTD
I am a first year PhD student in the Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences department at UT Dallas. My initial interest in geoscience was using micropaleontology to look at paleoclimate circumstances of wetland systems, however that quickly expanded to an interest in geochemistry and sedimentology. I received my B.S. in Geoscience in Summer of 2025 at UT Dallas. Currently, I am studying the hydrogeochemisty and paleoclimate history of the Salar de Atacama Basin in Chile to better understand the processes that facilitate lithium enrichment and influence sensitive wetland systems. Moving forward I am hoping to broaden my field and lab experience, and work towards a research oriented career
Caleb Leatherwood
MS Student UTD
I recently graduated from UT Dallas with my bachelor’s degree in Geosciences in 2025 and am now entering my first year working towards a master’s degree in UTD’s Sustainable Earth System Sciences program. My passion for geology originated from many hours spent hiking through the coastal mountain ranges of California, and after conducting field work in Big Bend National Park this previous summer, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in scientific research. I will be joining Dr. Butler’s research group this fall and will be focusing on sedimentary basins and lithium brine systems in places across North and South America while learning about the geologic processes behind them. I am eager to contribute my enthusiasm for scientific research and exploratory efforts of our planet’s natural resources and hope to use that knowledge to find ways to contribute to a green and sustainable future.
Rida Choudhry
Undergraduate Student UTD
I an undergraduate student at UTD pursuing a bachelor's degree in the Geosciences. Understanding how the world works, from the formation of planets to functions of cellular components, has always interested me. Learning more about these topics can allow me to analyze trends in both the past and the future, which is something I would love to pursue as a career. I am very excited to start exploring the world of geological research and all it has to offer- including learning new skills, exploring niche topics, and creating a positive impact with Dr. Butler. In the future, I would like to expand on chemical-related functions as well as getting hands-on in the field.