I am a graduate student and research assistant at Texas Tech University's Geosciences Clay Lab. I am interested in understanding the Earth's materials and processes, specifically how clay minerals affect soil chemistry and plant nutrients' bioavailability. Before specializing in clay mineralogy and soil geochemistry, I was involved in research on the Ethiopian flood basalts and the archaeology of the northwestern Ethiopian plateau. My earlier experience involved geological mapping, mineral prospecting, and environmental hazard investigations. I studied the composition, origin, and classification of rocks to deduce the tectonics, geodynamic evolution, and orogenesis of mineral deposits. My current research now deals with potassium fixation and bioavailability in U.S. Cotton Belt soils. I examine clay mineral control of potassium soil dynamics, such as illite, smectite, and hydroxy-interlayered minerals. I employ advanced laboratory techniques like textural analysis, Mehlich extraction (ICP-OES), XRD (bulk and clay fraction), SEM-EDS, FTIR, and XRF in combination with soil nutrient analysis in order to better understand the processes and improve cotton production nutrient management. Aside from my research work, I am also interested in geoarchaeology, quaternary geology, geoheritage, and geotourism as tools for promoting sustainable development and raising public awareness of geology and conservation.