The Houston Gem and Mineral Society strives to engage and educate Houstonians on topics related to Earth Science and the lapidary arts. As part of that endeavor, they provide merit-based scholarships to local college students whose academic interests are geology or jewelry arts focused.
EEPS professor Cin-Ty Lee encouraged his graduate student Tom Zhang to apply given ‘his deep interests in mineralogy’, and one of the key elements for Zhang being selected to work with Dr. Lee.
While Tom’s research looks at the unusual magmas associated with ores and rare earth elements, his heart lies with collecting minerals, describing new species and sharing his knowledge and experience with others. His efforts have garnered him recognition from awarded exhibitions at the Tucson Gem and Mineral show to being profiled in the popular journal Rocks & Minerals.
“From the moment I first encountered minerals at age 6, my fascination has only deepened,’’ says Zhang. Sitting in my office earlier this week, Tom showed me pictures of amazonite he collected in Colorado just a couple weeks ago. While none may be of the quality he expects for adding to his collection, connecting the knowledge of their origins acquired in the early stages of his PhD research with the minerals he collected, made the endeavor that much more enriching. “Although my studies now consume much of my time, I seize every opportunity to continue hands-on exploration.”
The HGMS awards committee wrote in their award letter that they felt that Zhang’s academic achievements and future plans were notable and worthy of the scholarship, and have even asked Zhang to give a presentation to the society. Check EEPS calendar in the fall semester for date and time to tune in!