Heavy stable isotope geochemistry; geochemical tracer development; transport, transformations and environmental fate of metals/metalloids
My research interests lie in natural biogeochemical cycling of metals and assessing the importance of anthropogenic activities as metal sources. Metal emissions to the environment from anthropogenic sources may be much larger than those from natural sources. These anthropogenic inputs disturb the natural biogeochemical cycling of many elements. My research aims to characterize the isotopic variation among metal sources and to quantify the extent to which reactions (physical, chemical and biological) cause isotopic fractionation of heavy stable isotopes, with the goal of developing these isotope systems as tools for source and process identification. Ultimately, my research seeks to aid environmental monitoring and remediation efforts and improve our understanding of natural and disturbing biogeochemical cycles.
Funded Research Projects
MRI: Acquisition of a Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) for isotopic studies in earth and environmental studies. NSF (2016–2017). Lead PI with B. Haley, A. Kent, J. Pett-Ridge.
Mapping and identification of sources of lead hotspots in Portland, OR using isotope analysis of moss. USDA Forest Service (2016–2018). Lead PI.*
Re-measuring the Effects of Heavy Metals on Vegetation in Cape Krusenstern National Monument. NPS (2016–2020). Lead PI with B. McCune and D. Mondal.*
Utilizing U/Ca Ratios to Determine Best Management Practices for Shell Planting and Oyster Culture to Mitigate Ocean Acidification Impacts. OR Sea Grant (2016–2018). Lead PI with G. Waldbusser, A. Kent.
Modeling the Effects of Heavy Metals on Vegetation in Cape Krusenstern National Monument and Noatak National Preserve. NPS (2015–2017). Lead PI with D. Mondal.*
*Agency collaborators listed below.
2010: Ph.D. Oceanography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
2003: B.S. Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson
GEO 431/531 Environmental Geochemistry (next taught Spring 2018)
GEO 599/699 Advanced Environmental Geochemistry (next taught Spring 2019)
Sophia Bauer, M.S. (2017–current) Water Resources Science
Elisa Di Meglio, M.S. (2017–current) Botany
Kali Melby, M.S. (2017–current) Geology
Beth Rutila, M.S. (2015–current) Water Resources Science
Sophie Wensman, Ph.D. (2016–current) Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry, OEAS
Adam Kent, Geology and Geophysics, CEOAS.
Bruce McCune, Botany and Plant Pathology.
Debashis Mondal, Statistics.
George Waldbusser, Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry, CEOAS.
Mark Abbott, Geology and Planetary Science, Univeristy of Pittsburgh.
David Meiggs, Sociology and Anthropology, Rochester Institute of Technology.
Michael Amacher, USDA Forest Service, Logan Forest Sciences Lab, Logan, UT.
Demetrios Gatziolis, USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, Portland, OR.
Linda Geiser, USDA Forest Service, Air Resource Management National Program, Washington DC.
Doug Glavich, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Air Program, Corvallis, OR.
Sarah Jovan, USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, Portland, OR.
Vicente Monleon, USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, Corvallis, OR.
Peter Neitlich, Naptional Park Service, Winthrop, WA.
Hannah Shupe, Research intern (winter 2018–present), B.S. Chemistry (Honors College), OSU.
Gillette Field, Research intern (winter 2018–present), B.S. BioResource Research, OSU.
Mia Arvizu, Researchintern (winter 2018–present), B.S. Environmental Science, OSU.
Callie Covington, Researchintern (fall 2017–present), B.S. Environmental Science, OSU.
Christina Murphy, Researchintern (fall 2016), B.S. Environmental Science, OSU.
Kali Melby, REU summer intern (summer 2016), B.S. Crop and Soil Science, University of Wisconsin, River Falls.
Devan Fitzpatrick, REU summer intern (summer 2015 & 2016), B.S. Environmental Engineering and Environmental Science, OSU.
Emily Hetman, REU summer intern (summer 2015), B.S. Toxicology and Forensic Biology, Ashland University.