19 preparation, and I have many new ideas to advance our research. I submitted a number of research proposals to national science foundations in 2017, I am keeping my fingers crossed to have at least one of my pending research proposals funded. The number of invitations to speak in other universities is increasing fast, I made four invited talks in 2017. These invitations are being very helpful to build some connection. About my teaching, in 2017 I taught contaminant transport to graduate students, and geochemistry to graduate and undergraduate students. The courses I teach have both theoretical and computational components. At the completion of the courses I teach, students become familiar with principles of groundwater flow and geochemistry as well as with computational methods to effectively manage groundwater resources and predict the fate of contaminants. A few words about my research program which currently focuses on the numerical modeling and microbiological aspects of geological carbon dioxide storage and hydraulic fracturing wastewater disposal into deep geological formations. Our research program combines the use of advanced pore- ‐, core- ‐ and field- ‐scale numerical simulations, and lab- ‐scale experimentation of multiphase biogeo- ‐ chemical reactive transport processes at deep geological formation conditions. Our objective is to develop new technologies and provide new information to enhance the recovery of energy resources and to minimize the environmental impact of such activities. Feel free to contact us to exchange information or discuss potential research projects. NEWS FROM THE STAFF Dr. Tao Wu Geochemistry Lab Coordinator Hello everyone! I cannot believe that it has been the third year since I start to serve in Boone Pickens School of Geology (BPSoG) as a lab coordinator for geochemistry lab. It was very busy and productive for me in 2017. Our instruments in the geochemistry lab generated tons of important data for both our faculty and students, as well as our colleagues from outside of the university. For instance, I used our lab workhorse, Isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) coupled with combustion elemental analyzer (EA), to analyze the total organic carbon and total nitrogen, as well as organic carbon isotope and nitrogen isotope, which tells us the basic geochemical condition of rocks or sediments, as well as the story of history of paleoenvironment. I also used IRMS coupled with high temperature conversion elemental analyzer (TC/EA) to generate hydrogen and oxygen isotope from local rain water, which helps me understand the difference between the change of local and the globe environment. Besides the IRMS, other instruments like ICP- ‐OES, gas chromatography and ion chromatography were also widely used to serve for our faculties and students in the past year. In addition, I have good news that I just fixed our gas bench system. This instrument combined with IRMS will give our department the ability to analyze the C isotope in carbonate, which is widely used to understand the geochemical and biogeochemical process in the certain geological time scale. Meanwhile, I work closely with faculty and give them the research support for their projects. I also interacted with students to not only help them correctly use the instruments and equipment in the lab, but also teach them the theories behind the instrument analysis, lab safety and good laboratory practice. I hope my work is not just to teach students how to work with certain instruments, but also to broad their knowledge on analytical chemistry, lab safety and professionalism, which may give them a long-‐term impact on their future work in company. It is always my pleasure to see the success of students. Ms. Sheri Orr Sr. Academic Counselor Happy 2018 to our Alumni and friends! I’m so excited to tell you about changes coming to the Boone Pickens School of Geology undergraduate program in the next year. While our undergraduate enrollment is still down, our approximate 75 undergraduate students are enjoying the more intimate classroom discussions/experiences as well as remaining very active in undergraduate research (~13 enrolled in research experiences but we know there were at least a handful more participating). We are enthusiastic about our upcoming curriculum changes, including three new proposed Geology options: Pre- ‐Law, Environmental Geology, and Petroleum Geology. It is our goal to offer a diverse curriculum within each of these options that will support students with
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