Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Sigma Dwivedy’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in science, driven by an early passion for geology and earth sciences. She completed her matriculation from the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha, in 2007, achieving an impressive 82.66% score. Her academic performance continued to shine during her +2 Science education, where she secured a 72.16% under the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Odisha. This early success in science laid the groundwork for her future academic endeavors.

Sigma then pursued a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Geology at Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha, from 2009 to 2012. During this period, she further honed her skills and knowledge in geology, earning a commendable 69.49% in her undergraduate studies. Her enthusiasm and dedication to the field of geology led her to continue her education at Ravenshaw University, where she completed her Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Geology from 2012 to 2014, achieving an impressive 80.66% score.

Sigma’s commitment to excellence in her field culminated in her pursuit of a Ph.D. in Applied Geology at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India. She successfully completed her doctoral studies in September 2022, focusing on the geology and genesis of albitite-hosted iron ores in the North Delhi Fold Belt, Western India. Under the guidance of her supervisor, Dr. Prabodha Ranjan Sahoo, she conducted extensive research that would significantly contribute to the understanding of this geological phenomenon.

Professional Endeavors 🌍

Throughout her academic journey, Sigma Dwivedy gained invaluable hands-on experience in geological fieldwork, which greatly enhanced her understanding of the subject matter. Her field experiences include visits to Bolani Iron Ore Mines, where she collected samples and geological data. She also conducted fieldwork at UCIL Jaduguda underground mines to study the lithological assemblages associated with uranium mineralization.

One of her significant contributions to the field involved detailed iron ore sampling and ore body mapping in and around the Neem-Ka-Thana area in the Khetri Basin, Rajasthan, as part of her Ph.D. thesis work. This work involved the collection of iron ore samples and associated host rocks for whole rock geochemistry and mineral chemistry analysis. Her dedication to understanding the geological intricacies of these areas showcases her commitment to advancing geological research.

Sigma’s professional expertise extends beyond fieldwork. She has specialized in mineral characterization using advanced techniques such as XRF, ICP-MS, TGA, optical microscopy, XRD, FE-SEM, EPMA, Raman Spectroscopy, and more. Her proficiency in these techniques has allowed her to make significant contributions to the field of geology.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Sigma Dwivedy’s research interests are diverse and encompass various aspects of geology, making her a versatile and accomplished researcher. Her primary research focus includes petrography, whole rock geochemical studies, and mineral chemical studies of various ores, coal, and associated host rocks. Additionally, she has delved into the field of oceanic paleogeochemistry, where she analyzes geochemical compositions and isotopic signatures in sedimentary archives to gain insights into the Earth’s history.

Her doctoral research, which centered on the geology and genesis of albitite-hosted iron ores, has provided valuable insights into the mineralogical characteristics and geological aspects of these deposits in the North Delhi Fold Belt, Western India. Sigma’s research has significantly contributed to the understanding of the formation and distribution of iron ore deposits in this region.

Sigma’s proficiency in advanced geological techniques, including XRF, ICP-MS, TOC, LA-ICPMS, TIMS, and fluid inclusion studies, has enabled her to conduct comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical analyses. Her work has not only advanced the understanding of geological processes but also contributed to the development of innovative approaches in mineral characterization.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Sigma Dwivedy’s dedication to her field has earned her numerous accolades and recognition throughout her academic and professional career. She was awarded the Junior Merit Scholarship by the Government of Odisha for her outstanding academic performance from 2009 to 2012. Her excellence continued to be acknowledged with the Senior Merit Scholarship from the Government of Odisha for the period 2012 to 2014.

In 2014, Sigma achieved another milestone by qualifying for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), a prestigious examination that opens doors to advanced studies and research opportunities in India. She also received the IIT (ISM) JRF scholarship, which supported her research endeavors as a Junior and Senior Research Fellow at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

Impact and Influence 🌟

Sigma Dwivedy’s contributions to the field of geology extend beyond her academic achievements. She has actively participated in conferences and meetings, sharing her research findings with the scientific community. Her presentations at the Indian Science Congress and the Asia Oceania Geoscience Society (AOGS) meetings have highlighted her geological expertise and provided valuable insights into the mineralogical characteristics of iron ores in Western India.

Sigma’s published manuscripts further demonstrate her impact on the field. Her work on the geology and trace element geochemistry of albitite-hosted iron ore mineralization around the Khetri Copper Deposit has been published in the esteemed journal Ore Geology Reviews, where it received recognition for its contribution to the understanding of IOA-type deposits. Her research on petrogenetic implications, geochemistry, and tectonic frameworks of albitite-hosted magnetite in the North Delhi Fold Belt has also garnered attention in the scientific community.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌍

As Sigma Dwivedy continues her journey in the field of geology, her legacy is defined by her commitment to advancing the understanding of Earth’s geological processes. Her research has already made significant contributions to the field, and her expertise in mineral characterization, geochemistry, and paleogeochemistry will undoubtedly continue to influence future research and exploration endeavors.

Sigma’s dedication to her work and her ability to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application make her a valuable asset to the geological community. Her future contributions are likely to include further exploration of mineral deposits, the development of innovative geological techniques, and the mentoring of the next generation of geologists.

In summary, Sigma Dwivedy’s academic and professional journey is a testament to her unwavering passion for geology and her commitment to advancing the field through rigorous research and practical experience. Her impact on the scientific community is undeniable, and her future contributions will continue to shape the understanding of Earth’s geological history.