Research Portfolio

About

I am a researcher focused on the ways minerals interact with their environments and living systems, and how these interactions can be harnessed to address global challenges such as climate change, pollution, and disease. My work lies at the intersection of science, art, and culture, with a particular interest in rethinking how we relate to and understand our planet.

As Curator of Mineral Sciences at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, I employ advanced analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and high-resolution imaging to investigate mineral-environment interactions. My research spans from searching for biosignatures in salt crystals to developing sustainable lithium extraction methods.

Research Interests: Astrobiology • Environmental Solutions • Energy Materials • Cultural Heritage • PharmaMineralogy

Research Projects

Current research focuses on developing mineral-based solutions for energy, health, and environmental challenges.

Sustainable Lithium Extraction from Brines

Funding: Department of Energy | Status: Ongoing

Developing low-energy lithium extraction methods using lithium manganese oxide (LMO) for geothermal brines, oil field wastewater, and desalination streams. This sustainable approach addresses global lithium demand without the environmental costs of traditional mining.

Energy Materials X-ray Diffraction Ion Exchange DOE

Kidney Stone Formation & Disease

Status: Ongoing

Investigating how bacteria contribute to calcium oxalate kidney stone formation using high-resolution imaging. Understanding these microbiological factors is crucial for developing prevention strategies and improving patient outcomes.

PharmaMineralogy SEM Imaging Crystallography Medical Research

Photocatalytic Degradation & Ion Exchange in Mineral Systems

Collaborations: La Brea Tar Pits, Prospering Backyards Project

Characterizing mineral-mediated photocatalytic pathways for degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pharmaceutical compounds. Investigating ion exchange mechanisms in zeolite frameworks for selective metal sequestration, including lanthanide and actinide sorption behavior in microporous materials for critical element recovery from aqueous waste streams.

Photocatalysis Ion Exchange Zeolite Chemistry Sorption Kinetics

Publications

View All Publications on Google Scholar

Media & Outreach

Videos, podcasts, interviews, and media appearances discussing mineral sciences, astrobiology, and research.

Podcast

Pocketful of Χtals Podcast

Host & Creator | Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart

Exploring the interaction of art, science, and culture and how we can think differently about our planet. Each episode delves into fascinating topics like radioactive waste cleanup, mineral detective work, and the intersection of mineralogy with everyday life.

Spotify Apple Podcasts Substack

Videos

Countyology: Searching for Life in Salt Crystals

Mineral Sciences Research

Museum Exhibit Feature

Natural History Museum of LA County

Marine Minerals Research

Oceanographic Mineralogy

Unearthed: Raw Beauty Exhibition

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County | December 2025 - April 2027

A groundbreaking exhibition featuring some of the largest and rarest mineral specimens ever displayed in their natural, uncut form. The exhibition showcases minerals as both natural art and scientific discovery, revealing billions of years of Earth's chemical evolution. Includes California's mineral treasures and specimens from the museum's collection alongside rare minerals from around the world.

Exhibition Page Press Release LA Magazine Roskin Gem News LA Times

Pocketful of Χtals: Real-World Impact

The Giving List LA Interview

How L.A.'s Natural History Museum turns mineral science into clean soil, public health, and sustainable energy. An in-depth interview discussing the practical applications of mineral research for environmental solutions and community impact.

Read Interview

Aaron Celestian Talks Life on Mars

Natural History Museum Feature

One scientist working on this quest is NHMLAC's own Curator of Mineral Sciences, Dr. Aaron Celestian, who is also an affiliate research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Depending on the outcome of his experiments on Mars, Dr. Celestian and his team would be among the first people to discover life on another planet.

Read Article

Members Q&A with Dr. Aaron Celestian

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Interactive Q&A session covering mineral science research, crystal growth, and current projects at the museum.

View Q&A

Field Work & Research Locations

Interactive map showcasing field work locations and research sites from around the world. Explore the diverse environments where mineral sciences research takes place.

Interactive Map: Global field work locations spanning multiple research projects including astrobiology studies, environmental research sites, and cultural heritage investigations. Click on markers to explore each location and learn about the research conducted there.

Contact

Institution: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Department: Mineral Sciences and Crystallography

Additional Resources: Pocketful of Χtals Blog