Bridging the conceptual divide between theoretical and applied environmental chemistry
Funding: NSF Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) Transforming Undergraduate Education in STEM award #1140980 (Sept. 1, 2012 – August 31, 2017)
Collaborators: Dr. Anne Jefferson, Kent State University
Dr. Joseph Ortiz, Kent State University
Dr. David Dees, Kent State University
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Although stable-isotope ratios inform a wide range of environmental processes and are used increasingly in earth-system research, effective strategies for learning about challenging stable-isotope concepts has lagged in the undergraduate curriculum. Recent advances in instrumentation for rapid, high-precision, and more-affordable measurements of stable isotope ratios provide an opportunity to address this challenge. The project is developing, implementing and evaluating student-led investigations of stable-isotope systems in upper-division geoscience courses. For more details see the website and contact me directly.
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Outcomes:
Short-course at GSA Annual Meeting 2014: 524. Hands-on experiences with stable isotopes in the geosciences curriculum, 18 Oct., 1-5pm.
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Publication:
Griffith, E. M., J. D. Ortiz, and A. J. Jefferson (2015) Mimicking the Rayleigh isotope effect in the oceans. Oceanography. Vol. 28, 96-101, http://dx.doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2015.89. pdf
Strontium isotopes as a potential fingerprint of total dissolved solids associated with hydraulic fracturing activities in the Barnett Shale, Texas
MS student Richard Goldberg (2014-2016)
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Publications:
Goldberg, R.B. (2016) 87Sr/86Sr as a potential fingerprint for determining the provenance of total dissolved solids associated with hydraulic fracturing activities in the Barnett Shale, Texas. The University of Texas at Arlington. MS thesis.
A geochemical and hydrologic comparison and assessment of acid mine drainage in glaciated and unglaciated Eastern Ohio
Funding: Society of Economic Geologist Foundation Student Research Grant to Greg Aaron from the Huch E. McKinstry Fund
MS student Greg Aaron (2010-2012)
Collaborator:
Dr. David Hacker, Kent State University
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Publications:
Aaron*, G. L., E. M. Griffith, and D. B. Hacker (2014) A geochemical and hydrologic assessment of coal mine drainage from the abandoned Cherry Valley Mine in glaciated eastern Ohio. Environmental & Engineering Geoscience, Vol. 20 (3), 257-272. pdf
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Aaron, G. L. (2012) A Geochemical and Hydrologic Comparison and Assessment of Acid Mine Drainage in Glaciated and Unglaciated Eastern Ohio, Kent State University, MS thesis, pp. 212.