Richard Schinteie
Richard started his PhD at the Research School of Earth Sciences (Australian National University - ANU) in March 2007. He is supervised by the illustrious Dr. Jochen Brocks and works on reconstructing microbial ecosystems in the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian interval. For that study, his main focus is on the recovery and analysis of organic molecules (lipid biomarkers).
Before coming to ANU, Richard studied biology and geology at Auckland University. His Masters thesis dealt with the microbiology and sedimentology of acid hot springs in New Zealand. He has also worked as a research assistant for one year on New Zealand hydrocarbon seeps.
Research interests:
- Organic geochemistry, especially the application of lipid biomarkers in understanding palaeobiology and paleobiogeochemistry;
- Earth history, particularly the Proterozoic-Cambrian interval;
- Life in extreme environments (e.g. hot springs, hydrocarbon seeps);
- Occurrence, formation mechanisms and textures of microbialites (stromatolites and thrombolites).
Peer-reviewed publications:
- Schinteie R., Campbell K.A., Browne P.R.L. 2007. Microfacies of stromatolitic sinter from acid-sulphate-chloride springs at Parariki Stream, Rotokawa Geothermal Field, New Zealand. Palaeontologia Electronica v.10, 33p. http://palaeo-electronica.org/2007_1/sinter/index.html