Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Publications
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Xennephone Hadeen

Cairns,Australia

Summary

Worked as a geoscientist for over 10 years in different locations around the world. Well-experienced in applying science in the field and laboratories. Primarily working and research in paleoclimatology with a focus on hydrocarbons since 2013.

Background in Geoscience. Acquired extensive experience working in biogeochemistry and isotope geochemistry for paleoclimate (and environment) research. Also experience applying structural geology and mapping, GIS, sedimentology, stratigraphy, and geomorphology. Acquired each main degree in different countries and continents. Highly adaptable to changing focus on the field of research. Never took any courses in isotope geochemistry and paleoclimatology. These skills were learned through applied work in laboratories and from reading literature. Then, conducted a PhD in this area of science.

Attained bachelor’s degree in geology at the University of Arizona. All coursework was primarily based on fieldwork and lab work. A significant amount of hands-on experience was gained for this degree, finishing with six weeks of intense fieldwork through the Western half of the USA. Acquired a Master of Geology at Potsdam Universität in Potsdam, Germany. Took part in multiple fieldwork excursions throughout Europe and Turkey. Master thesis project: spent several months in Bolivia, South America. In Bolivia, Conducted geologic mapping and identified geologic structures along two 150 km transects through the Subandes. Finally, PhD was attained here in Australia at James Cook University in Cairns. The thesis project resulted in the first high-resolution paleoclimate recontraction of the Australian tropics spanning 155, 000 years through leaf waxes from a sediment core at a site near Darwin, NT. Numerous publications will soon follow and a few are currently in press.

Worked for five years in this field of paleoclimate research in Germany before moving to Australia. Worked under the supervision of Dirk Sachse initially at Potsdam Universität from 2013 to 2016 then at the GFZ (GeoForschugsZentrum: German Research Centre for Geosciences) from 2016 to 2018. The GFZ is one of the world’s leading paleoclimate research facilities. Assisted on projects all over the world, assisted the lab manager in maintaining the laboratory at GFZ and trained numerous people that came through there. In addition, taught PhD students (in a course) how to utilize 3D geological software at Potsdam University, Germany.

Applied the skills learned in Germany to plan and carry out the laboratory work for the PhD thesis and deal with the ordeals that occurred. Comfortable working and maintaining a laboratory and training others.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Research Scientist/PhD Student Geoscience

James Cook University
06.2018 - 06.2023

While at JCU I primarily worked as a Research Scientist/PhD student in Paleoclimatology with a strong focus in isotope geochemistry and biogeochemistry for my PhD project. My PhD was strictly research-based. The project resulted in a high-resolution reconstruction of 155,000 years in Northern Australia. Fieldwork was conducted at Girraween Lagoon, near Darwin, Northern Territory Australia. n-Alkanes (leaf waxes) from plants extracted from a 20 m sediment core were utilized for the project. Stable carbon isotopes were utilized to reconstruct the paleoenvironment (plant cover) over time while stable hydrogen isotopes were applied to reconstruct the past precipitation (climate) over time in the area. I conducted all the lab work myself for this project utilizing isotope geochemistry and biogeochemistry while following strict safety standards. Samples were measured on a GC-MS and an IRMS.

  • Maintained safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to laboratory safety guidelines.
  • Evaluated test results for completeness and accuracy, and reviewed results with advisors for interpretations.
  • Recognized abnormal test results and devised corrective actions to retain accurate and valid results.
  • Documented and reported test results after making graphical solutions and representations.
  • Contributed significantly to breakthrough discoveries through expert data analysis and interpretation skills.
  • Performed research into study topics to increase knowledge and to provide valuable contributions.
  • Multiple publications of numerous peer-reviewed articles are currently in press, Results of this project provide crucial paleoclimate information about the region of the world.
  • Learned new laboratory techniques.
  • Managed laboratory equipment and resources, ensuring proper maintenance and optimal functionality.
  • Utilized statistical software for data analysis, generating accurate insights into complex datasets.
  • Analyzed complex data sets to uncover critical insights.
  • Managed research databases with utmost diligence, ensuring data integrity and security.
  • Recorded and analyzed data to produce reports of results.
  • Provided support and guidance to junior lab staff.
  • Operated and performed preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments.
  • Troubleshot and resolved equipment and process issues.
  • · Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
  • Extensive work with GC-MS and IRMS to measure samples.

Technical Officer

James Cook University
10.2018 - 03.2019
  • Conducted assistance on fieldwork excursions and laboratory work.

Research Assistant

University of Potsdam
02.2018 - 06.2018
  • Crushed rocks, volcanic glass separation, and Mineral Separation (SPE, DI, Frantz,) for volcanic ash samples from Ecuador
  • Assisted in processing these samples for age dating.
  • Assisted scientists by collecting and organizing laboratory data.
  • Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
  • Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks.
  • Prepared reagents and solutions following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
  • Operated and performed preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments.

Scientific Research Assistant

GFZ GeoForschugsZentrum: German Research Centre for Geosciences
05.2016 - 06.2018

Conducted work in a biomarker lab

  • Main task was to work with biomarkers for paleoclimate and paleoecosystem reconstruction through stable-isotope (Carbon and Hydrogen) analysis of leaf waxes.
  • Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
  • Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks.
  • Prepared reagents and solutions following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
  • Contributed to publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing expertise in various topics.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative research methodologies and strategies.
  • Managed laboratory equipment and resources, ensuring proper maintenance and optimal functionality.
  • Utilized statistical software for data analysis, generating accurate insights into complex datasets.
  • Identified and resolved data discrepancies, ensuring highest level of accuracy in research outcomes.
  • Optimized lab equipment usage, significantly reducing operational costs and downtime.
  • Recorded and analyzed data to produce reports of results.
  • Participated in research projects by designing and executing experiments.
  • Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
  • Developed new protocols and improved existing laboratory processes.
  • Provided support and guidance to junior lab staff.
  • Trained new staff and guest staff from other universities around Europe.
  • Operated and performed preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments.
  • Troubleshot and resolved equipment and process issues.
  • Extensive work with GC-MS and IRMS to measure samples.

Guest Tutor

University of Potsdam, Department of Geosciences
07.2017 - 08.2017
  • Taught PhD students at University of Potsdam how to use Geologic software MOVE.
  • Facilitated small group and one-on-one tutoring sessions focusing on academic subject areas.
  • Supported students in development of critical thinking skills and perseverance to persist with challenging tasks.

Student Research

University of Potsdam, Department of Geosciences
11.2015 - 04.2016
  • It is continuation of Thesis work in Bolivia. -
  • Utilized MOVE software to create 3D and 2D models of geologic subsurface in Bolivian Subanddes.
  • Performed research into study topics to increase knowledge and to provide valuable contributions.
  • Collected, organized, and input data into MOVE and GIS.
  • Generated geologic maps of Bolivian Subandes

Research/Laboratory Aide

University of Potsdam, Department of Geosciences
03.2013 - 10.2015
  • Worked in geochemistry-biomarker lab extracting stable isotopes from leaf waxes in sediments.
  • Assisted scientists by collecting and organizing laboratory data.
  • Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
  • Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks
  • Prepared reagents and solutions following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
  • ·Managed laboratory equipment and resources, ensuring proper maintenance and optimal functionality.
  • Coordinated and managed laboratory projects and experiments.
  • Learned new laboratory techniques.

Research/Laboratory Aide

University of Arizona: Department of Geosciences
09.2011 - 01.2012
  • Performed rock Crushing. Rocks were crushed into powder.
  • Water table utilized in separating crushed rock flour by density
  • Mineral Separation (MI), Frantz for magnetic minerals, heavy liquid separation of minerals such as zircon and appetite.
  • Wiggle Bugging, Acid Wash utilized to remove unwanted soft minerals.
  • Assisted scientists by collecting and organizing laboratory data.
  • Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
  • Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks.
  • Prepared reagents and solutions following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
  • Managed laboratory equipment and resources, ensuring proper maintenance and optimal functionality.
  • Learned new laboratory techniques.

Education

Ph.D. - Paleoclimatology And Geoscience

James Cook University
Cairns, Australia
06.2024

Master of Science - Department of Geosciences

University of Potsdam
Potsdam, Germany
05.2016

Bachelor of Science - Geology, Department of Geosciences

University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
08.2011

Associate of Science - Science

PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Tucson, AZ
05.2007

Skills

  • Adaptable, work well with others or alone
  • Experienced in teaching, training, and instructing others
  • MOVE (Midland Valley) Geology Software: 3d and 2D modeling
  • ArcGIS
  • Structural Geology
  • Field Geology and Mapping
  • Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
  • Core Sampling
  • Work with Biomarkers-hydrocarbons (n-alkanes) and extraction
  • Isotope geochemistry
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Paleoclimatology
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving
  • Skilled in developing research hypotheses and questions
  • Communication, good written and verbal presentation skills
  • Scientific Writing
  • Data Analysis
  • Results interpretation
  • Microsoft Excel proficiency
  • Chromatography Techniques
  • Gas chromatography and Isotope ratio Mas Spectrometer
  • Laboratory techniques
  • Specimen handling
  • Supply Restocking

References

  • Prof. Michael Bird, michael.bird@jcu.edu.au, +61742321137
  • Dr. Dirk Sachse, dirk.sachse@gfz-potsdam.de, +49 331 6264-28823
  • Prof. Manfred Strecker, strecker@geo.uni-potsdam.de, +49 331 977 5811
  • Dr. Gerold Zeilinger, zeilinger@geo.uni-potsdam.de, +49 331 977 5839

Publications

Stable isotope proxy records in tropical terrestrial environments, Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology,
Palaeoecology (2019)


An automated solid phase extraction procedure for
lipid biomarker purification and stable isotope analysis, Organic Geochemistry (2020)


Heinrich events drove major intensification of the Indo-Australian monsoon over the last 150,000 years
(2024)


Late Pleistocene–early Holocene establishment of an Anthropogenic fire regime in Australia’s tropical
savannas (2024)


Holocene hydroclimate inferred from alkane isotope and pollen records from monsoonal northern
Australia (In Press)


How well do n-alkane carbon isotope variations in lacustrine sediments reflect terrestrial vegetation
change in the tropics? (In Press)

Additional Information

References


Prof. Michael Bird:
email: michael.bird@jcu.edu.au
Phone: +61742321137


Dr. Dirk Sachse:
email: dirk.sachse@gfz-potsdam.de
Phone: +49 331 6264-28823


Prof. Manfred Strecker:
Email: strecker@geo.uni-potsdam.de
Phone: +49 331 977 5811


Dr. Gerold Zeilinger:
Email: zeilinger@geo.uni-potsdam.de
Phone: +49 331 977 5839

Timeline

Technical Officer

James Cook University
10.2018 - 03.2019

Research Scientist/PhD Student Geoscience

James Cook University
06.2018 - 06.2023

Research Assistant

University of Potsdam
02.2018 - 06.2018

Guest Tutor

University of Potsdam, Department of Geosciences
07.2017 - 08.2017

Scientific Research Assistant

GFZ GeoForschugsZentrum: German Research Centre for Geosciences
05.2016 - 06.2018

Student Research

University of Potsdam, Department of Geosciences
11.2015 - 04.2016

Research/Laboratory Aide

University of Potsdam, Department of Geosciences
03.2013 - 10.2015

Research/Laboratory Aide

University of Arizona: Department of Geosciences
09.2011 - 01.2012

Ph.D. - Paleoclimatology And Geoscience

James Cook University

Master of Science - Department of Geosciences

University of Potsdam

Bachelor of Science - Geology, Department of Geosciences

University of Arizona

Associate of Science - Science

PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Xennephone Hadeen