EDUCATION
M.S. Environmental Engineering, August 2014
Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Focus: Environmental Radiochemistry and Health Physics
Master’s Thesis: An Examination of Radionuclide Transport in the Vadose Zone Using Field Lysimeters
GPA: 4.00/4.00
B.S. Civil Engineering, August 2010
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Focus: Environmental
GPA: 3.10/4.00
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Research Associate: Department of Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, Clemson University, August 2014-Present
Primary Duties:
• Supervise research team members, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows
• Prepare technical manuscripts for publication
• Investigate the use of sorbents for removal of technetium from contaminated water
Graduate Research Assistant: Department of Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, Clemson University, August 2012-August 2014
Research: Master’s Thesis, funded by the Department of Energy.
Overview of Work:
• Measured concentrations of radionuclides in the column effluents using radio-analytical techniques and interpreted data based on knowledge of geochemical interactions of radionuclides in the subsurface.
• Coordinated and planned project goals with the site manager and lead scientist at the project site.
• Lead author of annual progress reports prepared for the funding agency (2013, 2014)
Additional Research: Investigation of the transport of silver and radio-labeled iron oxide nanoparticles in the vadose zone using field lysimeters.
Overview of Work:
• Designed, constructed, and managed experiment.
• Analyzed effluent, soil columns, and examined surface interactions using transmission electron microscopy for the purpose of determining transport capacity.
• Trained peers in radiation detection and quantification methods.
PUBLICATIONS
• Davis, Kathleen; Qi, Bin; Witmer, Michael; Kitchens, Christopher L.; Powell, Brian A.; Mefford, O. Thompson. Quantitative Measurement of Ligand Exchange on Iron Oxide Nanoparticles via Radiolabeled Oleic Acid. Langmuir, 2014, 30 (36), pp 10918–10925.
• Witmer, Michael; Kaplan, Daniel I.; Molz, Fred; Powell, Brian A. An Examination of 99Tc Behavior in the Vadose Zone Using Field Lysimeters. In preparation.
CERTIFICATIONS
• Pennsylvania Engineer in Training (EIT), April 2010
• 40-Hour HAZWOPER training, Fall 2009
PRESENTATIONS
• “Examination of Radionuclide Transport in the Vadose Zone Using Field Lysimeters”. 125th Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America, 30 October, 2013.
• “Examination of Radionuclide Transport in the Vadose Zone Using Field Lysimeters”. Annual review from the NEES Professional Advisory Board, 14 April, 2014.
WORKSHOPS
• Next Generation Safeguards Initiative (NGSI): Nonproliferation NDA Training Workshop, Oak Ridge National Lab, 25-27 March, 2014
• International Safeguards Workshop, Savannah River National Lab, 21-22 May, 2014
SKILLS
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Basic to intermediate proficiency with geochemical transport modeling programs: PHREEQC and HP-1
• Experience with performing and interpreting data produced using radio-analytical techniques including gamma spectroscopy (Genie 2K, Maestro), Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry, Alpha Spectroscopy, and Liquid Scintillation Counting
• Laboratory experience including work with radioactive materials and performing contamination surveys
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Clemson University, 2012-2014
Focus: To understand the geochemical behavior of contaminants including organic compounds and radionuclides and expand upon knowledge gained from research through a course load that focused on core principles of health physics, radiation detection, and the nuclear fuel cycle including nuclear reactor design, nuclear power plant operations, and regulations, policies, and practices related to the handling of nuclear materials.
Radiochemistry and Health Physics Courses:
• Environmental Radiation Protection
• Radiation Detection and Management
• Environmental Nuclear Engineering
• Actinide Chemistry
• Advanced Topics in Health Physics
Environmental Engineering Courses:
• Environmental Eng...
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