Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of California | United States
Shanece S. Esdaille is a highly accomplished researcher in materials science and engineering, with expertise in mineral physics, nanomaterials, and sustainable biofabrication. Her academic journey and professional experiences reflect a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in geoscience, high-pressure mineralogy, and environmentally conscious materials. Through groundbreaking research on Earth’s deep mantle processes and the development of sustainable textiles, she has demonstrated both scientific leadership and innovative thinking. Her career is marked by prestigious fellowships, impactful publications, and significant contributions that bridge fundamental science with real-world applications.
Professional Profiles
Scopus Profile | ORCID | Google Scholar
Education
Esdaille holds a Ph.D. and Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from Florida International University, where she conducted extensive research on high-pressure mineral phases relevant to Earth’s mantle and core. Her undergraduate studies in Chemistry at the University of the Virgin Islands provided a strong scientific foundation, enhanced by advanced coursework in physics, mathematics, and computational methods. She further broadened her expertise through participation in Columbia University’s Bridge to the Ph.D. program, which introduced her to advanced topics in crystallography, nanotechnology, and applied materials science. This diverse educational background has equipped her with multidisciplinary skills that connect chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Experience
Her professional experience spans premier research institutions, including Florida International University, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the University of California, Santa Cruz. As a President’s Postdoctoral Fellow at UCSC, she is investigating sodium carbonates for carbon dioxide sequestration, advancing strategies for climate mitigation through mineralization pathways. During her doctoral fellowship at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, she conducted x-ray characterization of Earth materials at extreme pressure and temperature conditions to study their role in geophysical processes. Her earlier research at Columbia University focused on 2D nanomaterials and biomaterials, where she explored their structural, electronic, and optical properties for applications in wearables and biomedical technologies. Additional experiences at Brookhaven National Laboratory, the University of South Florida, and Columbia University provided valuable exposure to spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and advanced material characterization methods. Beyond research, she has held teaching and leadership roles, mentoring students, contributing to academic boards, and engaging in initiatives promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
Research Focus
Esdaille’s research centers on the interplay between extreme conditions and material behavior, particularly within the context of Earth and planetary sciences. She investigates phase transitions, elastic properties, and seismic wave interactions of mantle minerals to better understand the composition and dynamics of ultra-low velocity zones near the core-mantle boundary. Her recent studies involve hydrous ferric oxides, water–metal interactions in the Earth’s outer core, and the stability of minerals at deep Earth conditions. In addition to geoscience, she has made significant contributions to the development of bio-based materials, particularly microbial nanocellulose, for sustainable textiles and biomedical applications. By integrating advanced characterization techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy, her work bridges fundamental mineral physics with applied material innovations, addressing both planetary science questions and pressing environmental challenges.
Awards & Honors
Her career is distinguished by prestigious fellowships and recognitions, including the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship, the ALS Doctoral Fellowship in Residence at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and FIU’s Dissertation Year Fellowship. She has earned multiple competitive research grants, including the Dissertation Evidence Acquisition Fellowship, and won first place at FIU’s Graduate Student Appreciation Week Symposium. She has participated in international workshops such as the Neutron X-ray School and represented students as part of the Consortium for Material Properties Research in Earth Sciences. Her leadership extends to academic societies, including the American Geophysical Union, Tau Beta Pi, and the National Society of Black Engineers, where she has actively advanced diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
Publications Top Notes
Title: Spectroscopic Evidence for the α-FeOOH-to-ε-FeOOH Phase Transition: Insights from High-Pressure and High-Temperature Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Shanece S. Esdaille; Vadym Drozd; Andriy Durygin; Wenhao Li; Jiuhua Chen
Summary: This study used Raman spectroscopy to confirm high-pressure and high-temperature phase transition of goethite, providing critical insights into deep Earth mineral stability and geophysical interpretations.
Title: Experimental Observation of Possible Pressure-Induced Phase Transformation in GdAlO₃ Perovskite Using In Situ X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Maria Mora; Andriy Durygin; Vadym Drozd; Shanece Esdaille; Jiuhua Chen; Surendra Saxena; Xue Liang; Leonid Vasylechko
Summary: Using in situ X-ray diffraction, this work revealed pressure-induced phase transformation in GdAlO₃ perovskite, advancing understanding of perovskite behavior under geophysically relevant conditions.
Title: Direct Measurement of the Radiative Pattern of Bright and Dark Excitons and Exciton Complexes in Encapsulated Tungsten Diselenide
Authors: Lorenz M. Schneider; Shanece S. Esdaille; Daniel A. Rhodes; Katayun Barmak; James C. Hone; Arash Rahimi-Iman
Summary: This research directly measured radiative patterns of bright and dark excitons in monolayer WSe₂, enhancing fundamental knowledge of exciton behavior in two-dimensional quantum semiconductors.
Title: Optical Measurement of Pseudo-Spin Texture of the Exciton Fine-Structure in Monolayer WSe₂ within the Light Cone
Authors: Lorenz M. Schneider; Shanece S. Esdaille; Daniel A. Rhodes; Katayun Barmak; James C. Hone; Arash Rahimi-Iman
Summary: This optical investigation mapped pseudo-spin textures of exciton fine-structure in monolayer WSe₂, providing novel insights into valley physics and polarization-dependent properties of two-dimensional materials.
Conclusion
Shanece S. Esdaille stands out as a versatile and impactful researcher whose contributions span geoscience, materials engineering, and sustainable technologies. Her ability to conduct high-level investigations into Earth’s deep interior while also developing innovative bio-based materials highlights her interdisciplinary excellence. Recognized through prestigious fellowships, competitive awards, and impactful publications, she has consistently demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing both fundamental science and applied solutions. With her continued work at the intersection of mineral physics and sustainable materials, she is poised to make lasting contributions to both scientific understanding and societal advancement, making her a highly deserving candidate for recognition through this award.