Water-rock interactions control mass transport in virtually all near-surface geologic systems.  The research conducted in my laboratory isolates and studies reactions that control the fate and transport of heavy metals and radionuclides in groundwater and surface water environments.  The results of the research can be used to construct quantitative models of the effects of bacteria on mass transfer in water-rock systems, improving our ability to understand contaminant transport in the environment and to design effective remediation approaches.  Students who conduct research in my group obtain a firm grounding in chemical thermodynamics and kinetics, and they gain considerable expertise in experimental aqueous geochemistry, geomicrobiology techniques, and a wide range of analytical approaches.  My previous students have been highly successful in obtaining research positions either as postdoctoral researchers, University professors, or in the environmental industry.

Please send me an email if you are interested in available graduate research projects. 

fein@nd.edu