Our Mission
The Hinkle Environmental Geochemistry Group run by Margaret Anne G. Hinkle investigates how trace metals common in natural systems (many of which are micronutrients and contaminants) and mineral structures are affected during biogeochemical cycling, with the goal of understanding how biogeochemical processes at the mineral-water interface affect the compositions of natural waters in present day and geologic systems. We study both abiotic and biotic factors contributing to changes in mineral structures and trace metal speciation and uptake. Our research combines inorganic chemistry, aqueous geochemistry, and biomineralization. We are currently conducting research projects on spring and groundwater geochemistry and the bioremediation of manganese by manganese oxidizing fungi, focusing on how our work intersects with environmental justice issues. Fungi are intimately linked to several geologic and environmental processes, such as element cycling, mineral formation and dissolution, rock weathering, soil formation, and the mobility of trace metals. We use wet chemistry techniques and bulk characterization methods, such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy, in our research.
Our Community
The Hinkle Environmental Geochemistry group is our own little community and also part of our broader community - of our Earth & Environmental Geoscience Department, the W&L community, the Rockbridge County community, the Shenandoah Valley, and our global community. After a lot of reflection over the past year participating in the URGE program, the Earth & Environmental Geoscience Department at W&L revised our community contract to better reflect our ideals and community expectations. Not all members in the Hinkle Environmental Geochemistry group are in the Earth & Environmental Geoscience Department, yet all agree to abide by the Earth & Environmental Geoscience Department Community Contract. To read the contract and access additional educational resources, please check out our department’s page here.
Join the lab!
The Hinkle Environmental Geochemistry Group is looking for new members, particularly those to help out with our newly funded NSF project, collaborating with U of Pittsburgh professors Dr. Rosemary Capo and Dr. Brian Stewart on REE binding to hydrous Mn oxides in acid mine drainage.
Reach out to me, Prof. Hinkle, (via email) or stop by my office to chat if you are interested in joining the lab & doing research!
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