Michael N. Spilde
Research Scientist III
Manager, Microprobe/SEM Laboratories
University of New Mexico

My primary field of study is mineralogy, with an emphasis on microbeam techniques (SEM, TEM, electron microprobe, and X-ray microprobe). My research is focused in several areas: 1) The use subsurface terrestrial environments (particularly caves and lava tubes) as analogies to the subsurface of Mars in the search for life, 2) The study of biogenic minerals, particularly manganese oxides, and 3) Cave geology and mineralogy.