GIA appoints first associate in the Richard T. Liddicoat Postdoctoral Research program

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has selected the first associate in the Richard T. Liddicoat Postdoctoral Research program, which is further step by the laboratory towards advanced gemological research and education. The research position is named in honor of Richard T. Liddicoat, GIA’s former president widely considered the “Father of Modern Gemology.”

Dr. Karen Smit, the appointed associate, began her tenure at the New York laboratory on Feb. 3.

Participants of the program will examine fundamental issues related to diamonds, colored stones, pearls and instrument development; each position tailored to focus on the associate’s expertise and interest.

Dr. Wuyi Wang, GIA’s director of Research and Development mentioned that the program “enhances GIA’s research initiatives by pairing the Institute’s experienced researchers and gemmologists with highly motivated academic researchers who have obtained their Ph.D. in a scientific field.” He added that the research associates can gain “access to GIA’s fully-equipped laboratories for their studies. Dr. Smit’s research will help advance our understanding of the science of gems and gem formation”.

Dr. Smit holds a Ph.D. in the Diamond Research Group from the University of Alberta in Canada, and experience using geochemical and isotopic techniques to research the origin of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle and its diamonds. In addition to three peer-reviewed publications, she has experience working in field mapping in Greenland and as a geologist in Tanzania. Smit also holds degrees from the University of Cape Town and the University of Stellenbosch, both in South Africa.

The Research Associate appointments are fully funded and are for one full calendar year and may be extended upon request. GIA will also facilitate access to outside research facilities.