Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has selected Karen Smit as its first associate in the Richard T. Liddicoat Postdoctoral Research program.
“The postdoctoral program enhances GIA’s research initiatives by pairing the institute’s experienced researchers and gemmologists with highly motivated academic researchers who have obtained their Ph.D. in a scientific field,” said Dr. Wuyi Wang, GIA’s director of research and development.
“This program will afford the research associates access to GIA’s fully equipped laboratories for their studies. Dr. Smit’s research will help advance our understanding of the science of gems and gem formation, expanding our ability to serve both the global public and the international gem and jewellery industry.”
The research position is named in honour of Richard T. Liddicoat, GIA’s former president who is widely considered the ‘Father of Modern Gemmology.’
Smit—who began her tenure at the New York lab earlier this month—earned her Ph.D. in the diamond research group at the University of Alberta. She also holds degrees from South Africa’s University of Cape Town and the University of Stellenbosch.
Research associate appointments are for one full calendar year and may be extended upon request. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in a related scientific field, preferably obtained within the last three years. For more information, visit www.gia.edu/gia-career.
