Jonathan Lewis, M.Sc.

Geochemistry Group
Doctoral Student - SPP 1833 Building a Habitable Earth
Room B 202, Building B
12249 Berlin
Research interests
My research focuses on reconstructing geodynamic processes in the Eoarchean primarily through multiple sulfur isotope analysis of igneous and hydrothermally derived rocks from southern West Greenland. Hydrothermal deposits and sediments formed on the surface of the Earth in the Archean preserve a unique and robust mass independent signal that can be traced through the entire rock cycle, providing a window into the processes that formed the first continents on Earth.
Recent publication
Adelsberger K.A., Lewis J., Dodd J.P., Hill D., Smith J.R., Garcea E.A. A. (2020), Mid-Holocene environmental change and human occupation at Sai Island, Northern Sudan, Geoarchaeology. https://doi.org/10.1002/gea.21812
Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany: Started February 2019
PhD in Geochemistry (ongoing)
Thesis subject: Elucidating Eoarchean geodynamic processes by multiple sulfur isotopes
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL: August 2012-August 2013
Graduate coursework in Geology, including organic geochemistry, low temperature geochemistry, and aqueous geochemistry, GPA: 4.00
Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO: Degree May 2012
MA in Earth and Planetary Science, coursework included methods in stable isotope biogeochemistry and minerals in aqueous environments, GPA: 3.62
Research Project: Sub-kilometer scale environmental variability during the mid-Holocene on Sai Island, Sudan
Salem State University, Salem, MA: Degree May 2010
BS in Geological Sciences, coursework included geochemistry and chemistry of life processes, GPA: 3.77, Summa Cum Laude
Thesis: A multi-proxy study of a five meter sediment core from Sluice Pond, Lynn, MA
Brandeis University, Waltham, MA: Degree May 2007
BA in Economics, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, GPA: 3.52, Cum Laude, Dean’s Award, Honor Grant
Research Skills and Qualifications
- Wet chemical sulfur extraction techniques for rock samples and preparation for IR-MS analysis
- Experience with petrography by light microscopy, SEM, and electron microprobe
- Field and lab based characterization and analysis of natural waters, rocks, and soils
- Experience collecting lacustrine sediment samples from boats and through ice
- Magnetic susceptibility measurement with Bartington MS2E1 surface scanning sensor
- Hydrometer and sieve based granulometric analysis of sediments
- Liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index (Atterberg) analysis of sediments and soils
- Experience running powder X-ray diffraction analysis on geological samples
- Use of DAQ Gas Chromatograph, FIT DQ 1000 Mass Spectrometer, and Delta V Gas Bench Mass Spectrometer
- Preparation and elemental analysis of water samples with Z-2000 atomic absorption spectrophotometer
- Experience independently designing and implementing laboratory and field based experiments
Teaching Skills and Qualifications
- Taught introductory Earth and the Environment and Environmental Hydrogeology lab sections
- Tutored geology, math through calculus 1, writing, and other subjects
- Facilitated field trips and teaching earth science in the field
- Prepared and delivered presentations at regional and national professional meetings
- Experience working with students of diverse backgrounds, including those with learning disabilities
- Scientific expertise informed by coursework and multiple original academic research projects
Work Experience
Field Technician/Geologist: March 2018-August 2018
OHI Engineering/Aerotek, Mansfield, MA
- Conducted Phase I environmental site assessments and subsurface investigations
- Provided contractor oversight to ensure correct implementation of a release abatement measure
- Collected environmental groundwater and soil samples
Geotechnical Technician II: April 2017-February 2018
Thielsch Engineering, Cranston, RI
- Conducted geotechnical tests on soil samples including gradation, hydrometer, Atterberg (liquid and plastic limit), water and organic content, consolidation, pH, California bearing ratio, and permeability
- Conducted unconfined compression and elastic modulus tests on rock samples
- Collected environmental air, water, and soil samples and performed air monitoring in the field
- Oversaw geotechnical subsurface borings, collected associated samples, and generated boring logs
- Wrote environmental monitoring reports and geotechnical SOPs based on ASTM standards
Environmental Scientist/Geologist I: November 2014-April 2017
Arcadis, Midland, TX and Warwick, RI
- Prepared various reports, permit applications, health and safety plans, and job safety analyses
- Performed Phase I environmental site assessments and Phase II subsurface investigations
- Collected groundwater, surface water, air, and soil samples for various analyses
Surface Mud Logger: September 2013-November 2014
Weatherford Surface Logging Systems, Midland, TX
- Analyzed gas from drilling operations, determining composition and ensuring safe total gas concentrations
- Collected and analyzed rock cuttings to determine lithology and the presence of hydrocarbons
- Maintained contact with senior geologist and rig personnel, preparing multiple reports per day
Research Assistant : August 2012-August 2013
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
- Collected and analyzed water and precipitate samples from experimental acid mine drainage remediation systems and a nearby stream
Research/Teaching Assistant: September 2010-August 2012
Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
- Sampled and conducted granulometric, petrographic, and isotopic (δ18O and δ13C) analysis of alluvial paleosols
- Developed and presented lab lectures and provided one-on-one academic support for students outside of class
Tutor : September 2008-May 2010
Salem State College Math Lab and Student Academic Support Services, Salem, MA
- Provided tutoring for students in geology, math, and other subjects
Awards and Honors
- GSA Outstanding Undergraduate Student Poster Award (2010 GSA Northeastern/Southeastern meeting)
Memberships
- European Association of Geochemistry
Awards and Honors
- GSA Outstanding Undergraduate Student Poster Award (2010 GSA Northeastern/Southeastern meeting)
Publications
- Adelsberger K.A., Lewis J., Dodd J.P., Hill D., Smith J.R., Garcea E.A. A. (2020), Mid-Holocene environmental change and human occupation at Sai Island, Northern Sudan, Geoarchaeology. https://doi.org/10.1002/gea.21812
- Hubeny J. B., McCarthy F. M. G., Lewis J., Drljepan M., Morissette C., King J. W., Cantwell M., Hudson N. M., Crispo M. L. (2015), The paleohydrology of Sluice Pond, NE Massachusetts, and its regional significance, Journal of Paleolimnology, 53, pages 271–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10933-015-9824-8
Conference Presentations
- Evidence for surface-derived sulfur in Eoarchean TTGs from the Itsaq Gneiss Complex, SW Greenland (Goldschmidt 2021) by J. Lewis, J. E. Hoffmann,, E. M. Schwarzenbach, H. Strauß, H. Vrijmoed, M T. Rosing
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Evidence for recycled surface-derived sulfur in Earth’s oldest mantle peridotites from southern West Greenland (Goldschmidt 2021) by J. E. Hoffmann, J. Lewis, E. M. Schwarzenbach, H. Strauß, H. Vrijmoed, M T. Rosing
- Elucidating Eoarchean geodynamic processes by multiple sulfur isotopes (2019 SPP 1833 General meeting, Köln, Germany; presentation by J. Lewis, J. E. Hoffmann, E. M. Schwarzenbach, H. Strauss, M. J. Whitehouse, C. Münker, M. T. Rosing, and A. Schwarz)
- Paleoenvironmental implications of the isotope geochemistry and granulometry of quaternary alluvial sediments and associated plaeosols from Sai Island, Sudan (2011 GSA Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN; presentation by J. Lewis, J. Smith, and E. A. A. Garcea)
- A multi-proxy study of a five meter sediment core from Sluice Pond, Lynn, MA: Comparison of lithostratigraphic and seismic records (2010 GSA joint Northeastern/Southeastern meeting, Baltimore, MD; also presented at the 2010 North Shore chapter Sigma Xi Research Symposium, Salem, MA; presentation by J. Lewis and J. B. Hubeny)
Work Also Presented In
- Geoarchaeological Evidence of Mid- to Late-Holocene Environments at Sai Island, Sudan (2017 GSA Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington; presentation by K. A. Adelsberger, J. Lewis, D. N. Hill, J.P. Dodd, J. R. Smith, E. A. A. Garcea)
- Holocene Stratigraphy and Climate History of Sluice Pond, MA (2011 GSA Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN; presentation by J. B. Hubeny, F. M. G. McCarthy, J. Lewis, M. Cantwell, C. Morissette, M. L. Crispo, R. Zanatta)