PEOPLE

Ph.D. – MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography, Marine Geomicrobiology 

B.S.  –  University of Wisconsin – Madison, Geology

I’m an environmental and applied biogeochemist who grew up on Minnesota’s Iron Range—quite literally on a banded iron formation! Growing up in northern Minnesota fueled my love of geology, the outdoors, and the environment, and ultimately my commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and resilience. Outside of work, I love yoga, skiing, hiking, camping, traveling, exploring museums, finding the best coffee shops, watching sports, and spending time with my family. 

You can follow me on LinkedIn or Google Scholar

Chris is a graduate student in the Earth Science department at the University of Minnesota working on a project focused on the deep biosphere. He is specifically interested in looking into how mineralogy impacts microbial communities in the subsurface; to answer this question, he studies a banded iron formation in northern Minnesota. His research involves the use of synchrotron-based x-ray microprobe techniques, electron microscopy, and lab-based geochemical analyses. When he’s not in the lab, he enjoys hiking, biking, and cooking.

Amanda is a PhD candidate in the Earth and Environmental Science department at the University of Minnesota who investigates Earth’s continental biosphere. Her project uses metagenomic sequencing and bioinformatics to investigate microbial metabolism and understand how microorganisms impact biogeochemical cycling in these systems, and her current focus is understanding the role of organosulfur compounds in the deep subsurface sulfur cycle.

Christof is a PhD candidate in the Earth and Environmental Sciences department at the University of Minnesota. He studies environmental lead (Pb) pollution in Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area soil and stormwater. Within his research, he has worked with cities and community organizations to monitor Pb pollution and describe the mechanisms for Pb transport and storage. Geochemical transformations of soil being deposited as pond sediments (between terrestrial and aquatic environments) are a focus for his research on Pb speciation and Pb-iron interactions.  His research also includes Pb source identification using Pb isotopes. 

Amelia is a PhD student in the Earth Science department at the University of Minnesota studying the geochemical impacts of land use on Manoomin/Psiη/Wild Rice as a part of the Kawe Gidaa-naanaagadawendaamin Manoomin research collaboration.

Madeline is a PhD student in the Earth Science department at the University of Minnesota.

[Madeline to update]

Pallabi is a Postdoctoral researcher in the Santelli Lab.

[Pallabi to update]