Our Guest rockstar

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Leah Lynham is Autistic, a mum of three, a PhD Candidate at James Cook University and currently serves as the secretary for the Australian Regolith Geoscientists Alliance. Her primary research focuses on reconstructing the Middle-Late Eocene paleoenvironment of the Eastern Goldfields Region, with particular attention to the microfauna within the preserved marginal marine and marine stratigraphy. These findings contribute to understanding the origins of associated placer gold deposits, which play a key role in the reconstruction of drainage systems. Leah also has a strong interest in using microfossil data for climate reconstruction and harbors a lifelong passion for dinosaurs.

In previous collaborations with CSIRO, Leah helped develop exploration protocols for rare earth elements hosted in carbonatites, and her work with Nuffield involved studying Jurassic otoliths and statoliths from the Dorset Coast. Before her current role at JCU, she worked as an exploration geologist on various projects throughout Western Australia.

In addition to her research, Leah manages EduRock, a geological consultancy and also volunteers her time for geocommunication, engaging with school groups to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in the earth sciences.