Uranium Tailings Disposal Cell Performance Forcasting
Photo courtesy of the Center for Land Use Interpretation
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Multi-year project with the United States Department of Energy, Office of Legacy Management (DOE-LM). Tasked with project development, in-field characterization, sample analysis, interpretation, and reporting for all soil morphology and process work performed under DOE-LM Technical Task: Long-Term Effects of Soil-Forming Processes on Cover Engineering Properties. Field excavations have been conducted in New Mexico, Texas, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Oregon. Work products include analysis of factors of soil development across UMTRCA Title I and Title II sites in the DOE-LM portfolio, a technical document on pedogenic process in engineered soils for uranium tailings containment, and a Nuclear Regulatory Commission NUREG on performance implications of soil change in compressed clay barriers for radon control.
Land Reclamation
Facilitated a mix of proof of concept and scaled reclamation work on uranium, silver, gold, oil sands, and natural gas well-pad reclamation projects in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, and Alberta. Primary focus on the integration of novel soil amendment applications (including biochar) to catalyze revegetation, slope stabilization, and metals sorption on highly degraded landscapes. Clients include the United States Forest Service, the United States Bureau of Land Management, state regulators, non-profit public interest organizations, and publicly traded corporations.
Optimizing Soil Sensor and Watering Valve for Smart Gardening
Served as research and development scientist for EDYN Inc, an Oakland, CA based start-up bringing soil sensors and irrigation actuators to the consumer gardening and landscaping space. Developed hardware efficacy testing methodology and sensor calibration models, worked with data science team to develop and optimize soil specific smart watering algorithms, and managed research trials for signal detection of trace fertilization events.
Biologically Released Fertilizer Development
Primary research scientist for Silicon Valley Ag Tech start-up. Implemented proof of concept work to facilitate patent development and validation for advanced fertilizer materials that mitigate nitrate and phosphate leaching from soils into surface and ground water. Developed research methodology and conducted Phase I mechanistic column release studies in addition to Phase II scaled multi-season growth trials to optimize applied nutrient delivery pathways.