current projects
project 1: UKL We are studying the kinetics of geomicrobial processes in the sediments of Upper Klamath Lake in southcentral Oregon. The key question is how to account for biodiversity in predicting the rates of geomicrobial processes. This project is supported by National Science Foundation. [more]
project 2: Groundwater arsenic We are conducting field push-pull tests in the bedrock aquifer of the Willamette Basin, Oregon. The purpose is to study how the intertwined biogeochemical cycling of carbon, iron, sulfur, and arsenic influences elevated groundwater arsenic concentrations in the basin. This project is supported by National Science Foundation. [more]
project 3: microbial kinetic database Microorganisms catalyze diverse geochemical reactions at a wide range of rates. The variations in the kinetics present both challenges and opportunities in understanding the kinetics of biogeochemical processes in nature. To synthesize our knowledge and gain further insights, we are developing a database for microbial kinetics from experiment observations published in the past 80 years. We are also developing theories to better understand and describe the diversity of the kinetics. [more]
education outreach We are collaborating with high school science instructors in Oregon to develop classroom units on the topics of sediments and arsenic. The goal is to disseminate our research results, at suitable levels, to high school students and to motivate the students to nature and science.