Tom Boonants

I currently work as a PhD researcher at the AMGC research group of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium. Previously, I obtained both BSc and MSc degrees in Chemistry at the VUB. During this time, I obtained plenty of experience with various analytical techniques. Guided by Prof. Dr. Christophe Snoeck, I analyzed (FTIR, IRMS, ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS) ancient cremated human bones during my BSc thesis, where I assessed the variations of Sr isotopes within and between different populations in Belgium during the Bronze Age. My subsequent MSc thesis, guided by Prof. Dr. Steven Goderis, consisted of a geochemical characterization (SEM-EDS, µXRF, LA-ICP-MS, SIMS) of Antarctic micrometeorites, and learned how to interpret these results in a geological context.

My current PhD research consists of the development and optimization of ICP-MS methodologies for the elemental analysis of precious geochemical samples, mainly focusing on accurate determination of elemental concentrations of Ca-rich samples. Besides mainly working with HR-ICP-MS, I also focus on studying and improving correlations with concentration levels measured by MC-ICP-MS and (LA-)ICP-QQQ-MS, helping archaeologists acquire accurate and representative data.