Chemistry Supervisor

• Jun 2021 - Present

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

• Apr 2016 - Jun 2021

Research title: Explaining the interactions and potential availability of different zinc (Zn) fertilizers in soils using wet chemical and visual techniques * Investigate how different sources of Zn react with calcareous and non-calcareous soil using wet chemical and visualization techniques * Use a sequential extraction procedure to determine exchangeable, carbonate-bound, Fe/Mn bound, organic-bound, and residual fractions of Zn in treated soils * Method development and analysis of Zn isotope ratios in fertilizer treated soils and plants using ICP-MS * Method development and trace element (Zn, Pb, As, and Cd) analysis in wheat and biological samples using ICP-MS Show less

Graduate Research Assistant

• Jan 2011 - Dec 2015

Dissertation title: Mechanistic understanding of fate and transport of selenium, arsenic, and sulfur in a constructed wetland treatment system (CWTS) designed for flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater* Hands-on experience in using analytical instrumentation, including ICP-OES, ICP-MS, Graphite Furnace AAS, UV-spectrophotometer, Ion Chromatography, and Gas Chromatography* Experienced in using sophisticated analytical equipment/instrument and protocols for preparation of samples for analyses of trace elements (such as selenium, arsenic, and lead) as well as other elements* Maintained proper calibration and QA/QC to ensure data accuracy and precision* Used EPA standard protocols for digestion of soil, water, and plant matrices using Microwave Digestion Unit and Heating Digestion block* Outstanding knowledge of preparing standards (single element and multi-element) for wide range of analytical instruments* Responsible for maintaining, and troubleshooting analytical instruments and lab equipment in order to keep in working order* Implemented method development for analytical instruments (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and Graphite Furnace AAS)* Experienced in managing the Soil and Environmental Chemistry lab* Conducted and interpreted research with statistical data analysis using SAS* Actively involved in collaborative research within the campus* Mentored and guided undergraduate and graduate students through multiple research projects Show less

Graduate Teaching Assistant

• Aug 2013 - Aug 2015

* Taught a lab classe of introductory soil science* Worked as a grader for Environmental Quality undergraduate class* Worked as a grader and an assistant for Soil and Environmental Chemistry, and Advanced Soil Chemistry graduate classes* Assisted with conducting help sessions and proctoring exams

Beamline user

• Dec 2012 - Mar 2015

* Completed safety training and instructions that must be followed for day-to-day beamline activities. * Sector 10 ID-B (The Materials Research Collaborative Access Team) - Dec, 2012 - Used bulk-X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy techniques to assess speciation of selenium (Se) in soil treated with FGD wastewater. * Sector 13 ID-E (GeoSoilEnviroCARS) - Jul, 2013 - Used micro X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique to map Se distribution in soil treated with FGD wastewater. - Performed mico-XANES on Se hotspots to get speciation at microscale. - Used micro-XRF followed my micro-XANES for arsenic (As) speciation in sediments samples collected from Okavango Delta in Botswana. * Sector 9-BM-B - Mar, 2015 - Used bulk-XANES analysis for S speciation in soils/sediments * Sector 5-BM-D - Mar, 2015 - Performed bulk-XANES analysis for As and Fe to understand speciation and biogeochemical behavior of these elements in soils/sediments. Show less

Teaching Assistant

• Nov 2007 - Jun 2008

* Taught lab sections of Physical Pharmacy * Prepared solutions and necessary items for experiments * Graded weekly laboratory reports, proctored exams * Taught lab sections of Physical Pharmacy * Prepared solutions and necessary items for experiments * Graded weekly laboratory reports, proctored exams