![Laura Spencer BA, MSci, PhD, AFHEA](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/3483?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Laura Spencer
(she/her)
BA, MSci, PhD, AFHEA
Teams and roles for Laura Spencer
Laboratory Manager
Overview
I am currently working as the manager of the trace element and isotope analysis laboratory (CELTIC).
I recently completed a PhD in isotope geochemistry where I investigated what novel stable isotope systems, specifically titanium and uranium isotopes, can tell us about the formation, differentiation, and temporal evolution of sanukitoid magmas. I worked in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Western Australia, the University of Bristol, and Monash University (Australia).
Previously I have completed a BA (hons) in Natural Sciences (2017-2020) and a MSci in Earth Sciences (2020-2021), both at the University of Cambridge. The title of my MSci project was "Thallium Stable Isotopes as a Tracer of Early Continental Crust Formation".
Publication
2025
- Spencer, L. 2025. Insights into sanukitoid formation and evolution from novel stable isotope systems. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
2024
- Spencer, L. et al. 2024. Tracing hydrous eclogite melts in the source of sanukitoids. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 648, article number: 119067. (10.1016/j.epsl.2024.119067)
Articles
- Spencer, L. et al. 2024. Tracing hydrous eclogite melts in the source of sanukitoids. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 648, article number: 119067. (10.1016/j.epsl.2024.119067)
Thesis
- Spencer, L. 2025. Insights into sanukitoid formation and evolution from novel stable isotope systems. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
- Spencer, L. et al. 2024. Tracing hydrous eclogite melts in the source of sanukitoids. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 648, article number: 119067. (10.1016/j.epsl.2024.119067)
Research
- Isotope geochemistry and cosmochemistry
- Planetary formation and evolution
- Non-traditional stable isotope systems
- Magmatic and subduction zone processes
Teaching
I have demonstated on the following undergraduate modules within the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences:
- EA1304 - Earth Science Fieldwork
- EA1306 - Earth Materials
- EA2301 - Geological Fieldwork, Data Analysis and Professional Skills
- EA2302 - Applied Geological Fieldwork, Data Analysis and Professional Skills
- EA2303 - Sedimentary Facies and Environments
- EA2304 - Petrology and Volcanology
- EA3325 - Advanced Petrology and Geochemistry
Biography
- 2025 - present: Temporary Trace Element and Isotope Analysis Laboratory Manager, Cardiff University
- 2021 - 2025: PhD student - School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University
- 2020 - 2021: MSci in Earth Sciences - Newnham College, University of Cambridge
- 2017 - 2020: BA (hons) in Natural Sciences - Newnham College, University of Cambridge
Contact Details
Research themes
Specialisms
- Geochemistry
- Isotope geochemistry
- Igneous and metamorphic petrology