Bridging environmental geochemistry and hydrology

Abstract

Dr. Catherine A. Peters’ research has advanced various topics in hydro-biogeochemistry. This paper highlights key research outputs across Dr. Peters’ career. Throughout her research endeavors, Dr. Peters has distinguished herself and her research portfolio via integration of experimental, theoretical and modeling approaches to tackle research questions at the intersection of hydrology and environmental geochemistry. Her work encompasses topics from mineralogical and morphological characterization of complex geomaterials, reactive transport of biogeochemical contaminants ranging from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to arsenic and strontium, and reactive evolution of fractured and porous media with chemical and physical heterogeneities. Her work has advanced our fundamental understanding of complex geochemical reactions and their impacts on fracture alteration, the fate and transport of contaminants, and the stability of subsurface energy and resources systems. These findings have helped inform applications regarding bio-remediation, heavy metal removal by mineralization, and geological carbon storage. The methods and findings showcased here have broad scientific and engineering impacts and have benefitted other emerging research topics in hydrology and related topics (e.g., Earth's critical zone). Along her scientific journey, Dr. Peters has uplifted and empowered many graduate and undergraduate students with her kindness, encouragement, and confidence in them. These students are now at different stages of their scientific careers and are following her steps in nurturing the next generation of scientists with diverse backgrounds in various types of institutions.