Postdoctoral Researchers
No postdoctoral positions are currently available. However, Prof. Catalano is always willing to work on fellowship proposals with prospective postdoctoral researchers.
Graduate Students
The Aqueous Geochemistry and Mineralogy group anticipates admitting new students for the Fall 2025 admission cycle. We welcome applicants interested in environmental geochemistry and astrobiology/planetary geochemistry. Potential projects in environmental geochemistry focus on (1) mineral controls on the fate and bioavailability of trace metals micronutrients and contaminants, (2) impact of adsorption and nucleation on critical mineral accumulation and migration, (3) clay mineral redox cycling and reactivity. Potential projects in astrobiology/planetary geochemistry focus on (1) trace metal availability and mineral alteration in icy world oceans, (2) rates of iron oxidation in cold aqueous brines, (3) water-rock reactions affecting prebiotic chemistry on the early Earth and other habitable worlds, (4) signatures of water-rock reaction and oxidation processes in terrestrial analogs of future returned Mars samples. Most projects in the group focus on experimental aqueous geochemistry and mineralogy in a laboratory setting coupled with advanced characterization and analytical techniques.
Prospective graduate students are encouraged to contact Prof. Catalano before applying to learn more about the opportunities available. Please include a brief description of any prior research activities (note: prior research experience is not required for admission!) and your current research and educational interests. Appropriate undergraduate fields include Geology/Earth Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Soil Science, Environmental Engineering, Planetary Science, Physics, or Microbiology; strong skills in chemistry are beneficial.
Applications to the graduate program are encouraged (click here for instructions). The official deadline to apply is December 1 and the department does not require GRE scores. All students admitted to the Ph.D. program in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences are given a full tuition waiver and a guarantee of five years of financial support. The current annual graduate student stipend in our department is approximately $36,000.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students interested in conducting research in the Aqueous Geochemistry and Mineralogy group should contact Prof. Catalano to discuss their interests and potential opportunities available.