EIGER FELLOW SINCE AUGUST 2007

EDUCATION

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
M.S., Biogeochemistry, 2007

Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH
B.A., Chemistry and Environmental Studies, 2004

ADVISOR

Professor Michael Hochella, Department of Geosciences

RESEARCH INTERESTS

I study the environmental impact of both engineered and naturally-occurring nanomaterials. My research focuses on the interface of these materials with the natural environment. I investigate their surface reactivity through changes in adsorption capacity, aggregation, and microtopography. I am also interested in the role that microbes play in these changes.

Brief research description: My dissertation research will investigate the surface reactivity and fundamental properties of the nanomineral schwertmannite. Schwertmannite is an iron oxyhydroxide sulfate mineral often formed in acid mine drainage sites (AMD). It forms ~ 1µm spheres covered in spikes that range from 100-300 nm in length and only 10 nm in diameter. Schwertmannite is metastable with respect to goethite, but as it is constantly being formed under AMD conditions it will likely play an important role in heavy metal cycling in these environments. We have successfully synthesized schwertmannite to yield a variety of surface morphologies. We will use these synthetic minerals to investigate the role of schwertmannite’s unique nanostructured surface in arsenic cycling.

Analytical techniques used in this investigation include powder x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy on our world class FEI Titan.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Email: rafrench@vt.edu

Page last updated 11/10/09