Dr. Christopher Kim
Email: cskim@chapman.edu
Website: https://sites.chapman.edu/envgeo/
College: Schmid College of Science and Technology
Overview of scholarly research/creative activity:
The Kim Environmental Geochemistry (KEG) Lab studies the chemistry of geological processes that have environmental impacts. Lab members have opportunities for both lab-based experimental work and remote data analysis. Self-learners working independently in a supportive group setting desired!
Specific projects working on:
1. Nanoparticle aggregation and metal adsorption/desorption: iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles are made in our lab, aggregated to varying extents under different solution conditions, and then exposed to dissolved metals to examine how well they adsorb and retain these metals. Direct applications to the treatment and remediation of contaminated waters can result from this work.
2. Arsenic contamination in abandoned gold mines throughout California: students help measure trends in concentration, distribution, and speciation of arsenic in mine wastes as a function of particle size and weathering.
3. Arsenic bioaccessibility/bioavailability in mine wastes: this involves conducting leach extraction tests designed to simulate the ingestion or inhalation of fine-grained mine waste particles, with correlations to toxicity in humans and other animals.
Number of students looking to work with:
5 or more
When students are needed:
Fall 2023
Spring 2024
What students need to work with Dr. Kim:
First year chemistry (CHEM 140/150), Moderate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ability to fulfill time commitment expectations (see below), Room in schedule to enroll in 2 units of CHEM291/491 or ENV291/491 (academic year only; I can pay for summer research assistants)
What would students be expected to do: Students take part in every aspect of research in the lab, including: literature review and presentation, design/refinement of experimental protocol, conducting experiments, analyzing and processing data, presenting work at group meetings and possibly conferences.
Time commitment for students:
One 20-minute individual meeting, minimum 4 hours of research, and 1 hour lab group meeting each week; participation in the Student Scholar Symposium at the end of the semester.
Additional Information:
The Kim Environmental Geochemistry Lab has been one of the most active undergraduate research labs in the sciences at Chapman, with many members going on to graduate programs and careers in the sciences; check out our website or talk to our current members for more info!