I am a geomicrobiologist who is interested in all things minerals, microbes, and metals. I grew up in northern Minnesota (on a banded iron formation!) which fueled my passion for the outdoors, the environment, geology, and access to clean water. I also enjoy cycling, yoga, hiking, camping, dark chocolate, coffee, museums, and hanging out with my family. You can follow me on twitter @biominerals!
I joined the faculty of the Department of Earth Sciences as an Assistant Professor of Geomicrobiology and Bioremediation in September, 2015. My research examines the impact of microbial activity on geological processes such as: mineral formation and alteration, metal redox transformations, weathering processes, environmental geochemistry, and remediation of contaminated environments. I utilize multidisciplinary approaches and techniques, ranging from nano-scale geochemical analyses of minerals to metagenomics of microbial communities, to understand molecular mechanisms and environmental ramifications of mineral-microbe and metal-microbe interactions. I am interested in answering basic scientific questions that also have real-world applications. For example, researchers in my group been examining the mechanisms and products of fungi-induced Mn oxidation and found that these fungi play an integral role in the remediation of metals in ine drainage and other anthropogenically-polluted environments. Now, my colleagues and I are now applying this knowledge to improve bioremediation strategies and technologies.
I received my B.S. in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Wisconsin and my Ph.D. from the MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography. My dissertation examined the microbial communities living in ocean crust and their impact on basalt alteration. As much as I love the oceans, I decided to transition my research to more stable ground and transitioned to studying the mechanisms of Mn oxidation and biomineralization of Mn oxide minerals by fungi at Harvard University. Prior to my arrival at the University of Minnesota, I worked as a research geologist and associate curator of the National Gem and Mineral Collection at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. At the museum, I gained a new appreciation for the importance of science education and communication and bring some of the unique experiences with me here to the U of M.
