Curatrix | Harvard University | United States
Dr. Raquel Alonso-Perez is a dynamic leader and curator with over 15 years of experience in Natural History museum management. As the Curator of the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department at Harvard University, she has excelled in advancing public scientific education, preserving museum collections, and spearheading innovative research. Her work combines strategic planning and a passion for leveraging collections to inspire and educate future generations.
Profile:
Strengths for the Awards:
Dr. Alonso-Perez exemplifies exceptional qualifications for the “Best Researcher Award,” with an illustrious academic background, extensive research contributions, and impactful professional endeavors:
- Research Impact:
Dr. Alonso-Perez has an impressive record of pioneering research in geochemistry, mineral physics, and natural history collections, evidenced by numerous high-impact publications. Her recent work on emerald provenance using machine learning (Artificial Intelligence in Geosciences, 2024) and studies of ancient diamondiferous kimberlites (Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 2024) showcase her innovative approach and interdisciplinary expertise.
- Publications & Citations:
With over 15 research publications in reputable journals like Geochemical Perspectives Letters and Minerals, her work is frequently cited by peers, demonstrating her influence in the scientific community. For example, her 2009 paper in Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology has been a cornerstone for studies in garnet and amphibole fractionation.
- Fieldwork Expertise:
Dr. Alonso-Perez has a strong fieldwork portfolio, conducting sampling in diverse geological locations, from the diamond mines of South Africa to the ultramafic rocks of Madagascar and Pakistan. This global experience highlights her ability to adapt and innovate across varying research conditions.
- Academic Leadership:
As a curator at Harvard University’s Earth and Planetary Sciences Department, she leads high-impact initiatives in collection management, preservation, and scientific outreach, ensuring the longevity and accessibility of rare geological specimens.
- Collaborative Grants:
Dr. Alonso-Perez has successfully secured grants exceeding $800,000, funding cutting-edge projects like digitalizing meteorite collections and optimizing museum storage systems. This demonstrates her ability to align research with practical applications.
Education: 🎓
Dr. Alonso-Perez earned her Ph.D. in Mineral Physics from ETH Zürich, Switzerland (2006), where her dissertation explored the role of garnet in calc-alkaline magma generation. She also holds an M.S. in Petrology and Structural Geology from the University of Granada, Spain, and UNSL, Argentina (2002), a B.S. in Geology from the University of Granada (2001), and is a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of London, UK (2015).
Experience: 🏛️
Currently a curator at Harvard University, Dr. Alonso-Perez has led numerous high-impact initiatives, including museum strategic planning, collection preservation, and digital accessibility of resources. She has mentored master’s and post-doctoral students, directed exhibitions, and contributed to museum curation through collaborations with global academic and industrial leaders.
🔬Research Interests On Gemology
Dr. Alonso-Perez’s research focuses on gemstone geochemistry, mineral provenance, and experimental petrology. Her work incorporates machine learning techniques and cutting-edge analytical tools to unravel the geological history of gemstones and explore their environmental and tectonic origins.
Awards and Honors: 🏆
Dr. Alonso-Perez’s achievements include being an executive member of the Women Jewellery Association (2020–2023) and an editorial board member of the Gemmological Institute of America. Her dedication to the field has earned her advisory roles with prestigious organizations and recognition for advancing museum curation standards.
Awards and Grants: 🏅
Dr. Alonso-Perez secured significant funding, including:
- Massachusetts Cultural Facility Fund ($110,680) (2021) for gallery security implementation.
- IMLS, Museums for America ($300,000) (2015–2018) for modernizing Harvard’s mineral collection storage.
Her contributions have helped preserve and advance museum operations while fostering innovation in scientific research and education.
Final Note✨
Dr. Raquel Alonso-Perez exemplifies excellence in Natural History curation, research, and leadership. Her ability to integrate scientific expertise with strategic vision has made her a transformative figure in advancing museum operations and research. Her commitment to education and collaboration ensures her work will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and museum professionals.
Publications: 📚
- “A 187Re-187Os and highly siderophile element study of diamondiferous kimberlite melt-mantle interactions and the inferred age of continental lithosphere”
- Authors: Linzmeyer, T.; Day, J.M.D.; Alonso-Perez, R.; Wolmarans, A.; Rogers, A.
- Publication Year: 2024
- Citations: 0
- “Exploring emerald global geochemical provenance through fingerprinting and machine learning methods”
- Authors: Alonso-Perez, R.; Day, J.M.D.; Pearson, D.G.; Sudhakar, R.; Palke, A.
- Publication Year: 2024
- Citations: 0
- “Signature Specimen: The Gold Horn: At the Mineralogical & Geological Museum, Harvard University”
- Authors: Francis, C.A.; Alonso-Perez, R.; Rakovan, J.
- Publication Year: 2024
- Citations: 0
- “Archean age and radiogenic source for the world’s oldest emeralds”
- Authors: Nicklas, R.W.; Day, J.M.D.; Alonso-Perez, R.
- Publication Year: 2022
- Citations: 1
- “Letters”
- Authors: Southwood, M.; Alonso-Perez, R.; Schnaitmann, E.
- Publication Year: 2022
- Citations: 1
- “Rare earth element and incompatible trace element abundances in emeralds reveal their formation environments”
- Authors: Alonso-Perez, R.; Day, J.M.D.
- Publication Year: 2021
- Citations: 7
- “Tsumeb: The Legacy of Wilhelm Klein (1889–1939)”
- Authors: Southwood, M.; Alonso-Perez, R.; Schnaitmann, E.A.
- Publication Year: 2018
- Citations: 4
- “Igneous garnet and amphibole fractionation in the roots of island arcs: Experimental constraints on andesitic liquids”
- Authors: Alonso-Perez, R.; Müntener, O.; Ulmer, P.
- Publication Year: 2009
- Citations: 454
