Hannah Veldhuizen

I am a PhD student working with Tom Johnson in the multicollector ICP-MS laboratory. My research focuses on the use of antimony stable isotopes to determine the fractionation associated with geomicrobiological cycling of Sb(V) and Sb(III). Despite Sb’s increasing use, a limited number of studies exist on its mobility, toxicity, and geochemical reactions. Stable isotope ratios of elements in the environment can provide valuable information on sources and processes such as redox transformations, precipitation, and adsorption. Isotope ratio measurements can be used to determine the extent of reaction with better accuracy than concentration measurements and without complications caused by dilution and adsorption. However, this requires knowledge of the difference between the reactant and product isotope ratios, or fractionation factor, and laboratory studies are needed to determine fractionation factors for various relevant reactions. Given that Sb isotopes have not been developed until recently, isotope fractionation factors for most processes of Sb are still unknown. My work provides important fundamental knowledge of a major driver of Sb isotope variation in nature and will be used as Sb isotopes are developed for use in modern environmental monitoring efforts and as a proxy for paleo-redox conditions

I enjoy hiking, gardening, and hanging out with my pets. I currently have guinea pigs, a crested gecko, a dog and a cat living with me. I can always provide goofy animal pictures when needed!