Biogeochemistry is a rapidly growing subdiscipline within the geological and environmental sciences. Research in biogeochemistry is inherently multidisciplinary, reflecting complex process at the intersection of biology, geology, and chemistry. Biogeochemists study processes occurring in settings ranging from ordinary lakes, oceans, and soils to extreme environments in permafrost, deep basins, and hydrothermal vents. These scientists also reconstruct ancient biogeochemical cycles on Earth and infer possible biogeochemical cycles on other planetary bodies. Emerging strategies for instrumental assessment of life on Mars is based largely on successful biogeochemical studies of extreme environments on Earth. In addition, biogeochemists play critical roles in deciphering past climate changes and unraveling linkages between atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, and the solid Earth. Understanding these linkages is essential for sustainable utilization of natural resources and remediation of contamination. Biogeochemists also analyze the chemical composition of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and natural gas for improvement in prospecting and a better understanding of how non-renewable resources were formed from the remains of ancient organisms.
Our state-of-the-art instrumentation can be viewed on an illustrated tour of the Biogeochemical Laboratories. Contact our technical and administrative support staff about questions relating to the use of our facilities. Read about current graduate students and post-docs and their research projects, and about recent graduates and the titles of their theses. A list of selected recent publications is available as well as some recently published abstracts.
Students who are interested in biogeochemical research may apply for M.S. and Ph.D. programs. Graduate student opportunities may be available in research projects that provide student fee remission and research assistantships. Post-doctoral positions may also be available. Please contact any of the listed faculty or support staff.
