NNCI Nanoscience in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Research Community Virtual Workshop Program

May 16-17, with optional 'Office Hours with Experts' on May 18

Days begin at: 11am ET/ 10am CT/ 9am MT/ 8am PT

All times below are expressed in Eastern. Please adjust accordingly.

This workshop has already taken place.

Day 1: Monday, May 16

Day 1 Theme: A Nanoscience Approach to Understanding Environmental Samples

Click to view or download the workshop Day 1 recording (MP4 Video 584.6MB May21 22).
The goal of Day 1 is to introduce the audience to environmental nanoscience research using a case study that will be explored through a series of demonstrations (synchronous and asynchronous videos), discussions with live polls, and Q&A sessions. There will be an emphasis on sampling from environmental systems and the advantage of integrating data from multiple characterization methods.

11:00-11:10 - Welcome and Introductions - Marc Michel

11:10-11:30 - Earth & Environmental Nanoscience - Challenges & Opportunities - Marc Michel

11:30-11:45 - Case Study 1: Role of Nanoparticles and Drinking Water Quality - Madeline Schreiber & Cece Wood

11:45-12:00 - Field Sampling Drinking Water Reservoir (MP4 Video 538.8MB May18 22) - pre-recorded video showing samples being collected from Falling Creek (Vinton, VA) - Cece Wood

12:00-12:45 - What (nano)minerals are present in the reservoir samples? Powder X-ray Diffraction (pXRD) - Marc Michel

12:45-12:55 - Open Q&A

12:55-1:15 - Break

1:15-2:00 - What are the microscale physical and chemical characteristics of the reservoir samples? Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) - Sheri Singerling

2:00-2:50 - What nanoscale particles are present in the reservoir samples? Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) - Sheri Singerling

2:50-3:00 - Open Q&A

3:00-3:25 - Panel Discussion - What did we learn? - Madeline Schreiber, Cece Wood, Marc Michel, & Johanna Blake

3:25-3:30 - Final Remarks of the Day; Preview of Day 2; Roadcheck survey - Tonya Pruitt

Day 2: Tuesday, May 17

Day 2 Theme: A Nanoscience Approach to Understanding Earth Materials

Click to view or download the workshop Day 2 recording (MP4 Video 459.2MB May21 22).
The goal of Day 2 is to introduce the participants to an example of using a nanoscience approach to understand a solid Earth material. The case study will explore a meteorite sample prepared in the form of a thin section using a combination of SEM-FIB, TEM, and microprobe.

11:00-11:10 - Welcome & Introduction of Invited Keynote Speaker - Marc Michel

11:10-11:45 - Invited Keynote: Deep Abiotic Weathering of Pyrite - Prof. Susan L. Brantley, Penn State University

11:45-11:55 - Open Q&A

11:55-12:10 - Case Study 2: Nanoscale Mineralogy of Meteorites - Sheri Singerling

12:10-12:40 - What are the microscale physical and chemical characteristics of the thin section sample?  Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)- Sheri Singerling

12:40-1:05 - What are the microscale quantitative chemical characteristics of the thin section? Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) - Lowell Moore

1:05-1:15 - Open Q&A

1:15-1:35 - Break

1:35-1:55 - How can the sample be prepared for nanoscale structural and chemical analysis? Focused Ion Beam (FIB) - Lift Out - Sheri Singerling

1:55-2:40 - How can the nanoscale structure and chemical characteristics of the sample be evaluated? Transmission Electron Microscopy - Sheri Singerling

2:40-2:50 - Open Q&A

2:50-3:15 - Panel Discussion - What did we learn? - Mark Caddick, Dave Mogk, Lowell Moore, & Sheri Singerling

3:15-3:20 - Tools & Techniques for Earth & Environmental Samples - Dave Mogk

3:20-3:30 - Final Remarks and end of workshop survey - Marc Michel

Day 3: Wednesday, May 18

Day 3: Office Hours with Experts Session (Optional)

Participants will be able to sign up for 10 minute sessions with experts in topics of interest (via a pre-registration form - to be posted). The scheduling of the sessions will be determined based on the level of interest and schedules of leaders and participants. Participants will be able to talk directly about their research interests, and to solicit advice and feedback.