2025-2026 Officers


President: Liyu Mekonnen

Liyu is a Ph.D. student working with Dr. Alyssa Griffin
Liyu is a coastal sediment geochemist studying pyrite formation and carbonate dissolution in seagrass meadows as pathways for additional carbon storage.

Favorite...
  • Rock: Serpentinite
  • ​Mineral: Pyrite
  • Hobby: (Learning to) crochet
  • Musical Artist: Remi Wolf
  • Song: "Rewind" by Charli xcx
Vice President: Caden Williams

Caden is a Master's student working with Dr. Christy Grettenberger. Caden analyzes biological rock weathering in lava tubes using geochemical and ecological approaches. 

Favorite... 
  • Rock: Peridotite
  • ​Mineral: Olivine
  • Fossil: Smilodon
  • Hobby: Powerlifting
  • Band: Black Keys
Editor: Bismay Hota

Bismay is a PhD student in Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Davis working with Dr. Dawn Summer. He studies microbial mats in Lake Fryxell, Antarctica, focusing on seasonal metabolic shifts and biogeochemical cycling. 

​Favorite...
  • Fossil: Stromatolite
  • Hobby: Video games, cooking
  • Band: Coldplay 
  • Song: Am I Wrong by Nico & Vinz

Treasurer: Sierra Rack-Moffatt

Sierra is a Ph.D. student working with Mike Oskin and Sarah Roeske.
She is studying the California geologic record of the Klamath mountains and Sierra Nevada foothills using geochronology and isotope chemistry. 

Favorite...
  • Rock: Gabbro
  • Mineral: Garnet
  • Hobby: Yard work, house plants
  • Band: Watchhouse
  • Song: "the thing" by Pixies
Communications Coordinator: Sofia Franck

Sofia is a PhD student working with Magali Billen. She is studying the thermal structure of the Cascadia Subduction Zone and how it influences megathrust earthquake behavior. 

​Favorite...
  • Rock: Blueschist 
  • Mineral: Serpentine
  • Hobby: Rock climbing and playing with my dog Finley
  • Band: Grateful Dead
  • Song: "Lot to Learn" by Winyah