Research

Iron Biogeochemistry in the Ocean

Hydrothermal venting along the mid-ocean ridge releases iron to the ocean, but the fate of hydrothermal iron is not known. To answer this question, we are conducting research at the East Pacific Rise 9N, Loihi Seamount, the Eastern Lau Spreading Center, and the Mid-Cayman Rise!

Ph.D. student Jeffry Sorensen is funded by the National Science Foundation to study plume particle geochemistry of the Eastern Lau Spreading Center plumes. Ph.D. student Brandi Cron and Research Fellow Rebecca Sims are supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation for research at Mid-Cayman Rise.

Iron Biogeochemistry in Fractured Rock and Microbial Mats

Our goal is to understand how microbial communities respond to and alter geochemical gradients. Ph.D. student Lindsey Briscoe is funded by the LCCMR to study geomicrobiological processes at the Soudan Underground Mine State Park.

Arsenic Geochemistry in Glacial Aquifers

Our goal is to understand the biogeochemical processes driving iron, sulfur, and arsenic cycling in glacial aquifers in Minnesota. Ph.D. student Sarah Nicholas has been supported by the Water Resources Center, the USGS, and the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA). See our article in the CURA Reporter.

Photo journal 1 - MN DNR core archive facility; Photo journal 2 - field work with Minnesota Geological Survey

Mercury and Sulfur Biogeochemistry in Peatlands

Our goal is to understand how changing climate will affect the release of mercury to aquatic systems in Northern Minnesota peatlands. Post-doctoral researcher Olha Furman is funded by the USDA Forest Service to participate in the Department of Energy SPRUCE project at Marcell Experimental Forest.