The Harvey Group focuses on research, education, and outreach activities pertaining to energy and chemical dynamics of Earth System interfaces at the nano- to kilometer-scale
Our research goals are achieved through the Fundamental Research on Geomaterials and Geomimicry (FROGG) lab which develops novel biogeochemical approaches for resolving reaction dynamics at complex interfaces. Current research is focused on using this knowledge to address grand challenges in climate, energy, food, air, and water pollution.
Educational and outreach goals are achieved through our Community-STEM (C-STEM) initiative. We are especially proud of our partnership with local K-12 schools to develop inquiry-based modules for engaging students in the scientific method, energy, and earth system dynamics.
OUR TEAM
Principal Investigator (PI)
Omar Harvey, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Geological Sciences
Post-doctoral Students
Viviana Costa Viviana Costa, Ph.D., joined Harvey’s lab in the fall of 2021 as a postdoctoral fellow. Dr. Costa obtained her Ph.D. in Chemistry at Texas Christian University. She is broadly interested in molecular binding interactions in solution or at the surface interface.
Marlon Greensword Marlon Greensword, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral fellow who joined Harvey’s lab in fall 2021. He completed his Ph.D. in Engineering Science with a minor in Environmental Toxicology at Louisiana State University. His research interests include designing and building bioreactors for biofilters, aquaponics, recirculating aquaculture, lean process improvement, wastewater, and effects of environmental toxicity on human aging.
Graduate Students
Marie Aurore Marie Aurore joined Harvey’s lab as a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science at Texas Christian University. She then graduated and is currently a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in geology (geochemistry).
Manyiel Mel Manyiel Mel joined Harvey’s lab as a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Applied Geoscience at Texas Christian University. He then graduated and is currently a graduate student pursuing a master’s in geology (geochemistry).
Caitlin Payblas Caitlin Payblas joined Harvey’s lab as a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Geology. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences at Texas Christian University.
Montreal Taylor Montreal Taylor joined Harvey’s lab as a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Geology. He completed his bachelor’s degree in geology at Texas State University.
Undergraduate Students
Katty Callewart Katty Callewart is a junior at Texas Christian University working towards a B.S degree in Combined Science, with an emphasis in Geology, Environmental Science, and Political Science
Amy Lam Amy Lam joined Dr. Harvey’s lab as a freshman pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science at Texas Christian University.
Evelyn Morales Evelyn Morales joined Harvey’s lab as a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biology at Texas Christian University.
Brooke Newell Brooke Newell is a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Earth Systems Science at Texas Christian University.
Jesse Mugisha Jesse Mugisha is a senior working towards a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science at Texas Christian University
Patrick Lazzarino–Former Graduate Student–Spring 2018
Burke Leonce–Former Graduate Student–Spring 2018
CURRENT RESEARCH
Interactions of Synthetic Organic Substances at the Surface-Water Interface of Oxide-based Minerals
This research investigates the interactions of synthetic organic substances at the surface-water interface of oxide-based minerals. Specifically, the research seeks to understand the thermodynamics, kinetics, and structural aspects of organic interactions at the oxide-bulk solution interface.
Natural Organic Matter and their Binding to Iron oxides
We seek to understand the spectroscopic responses of the natural organic matter and their energetics and binding dynamics with different iron oxide minerals (ferrihydrite, goethite, and hematite) at environmentally significant pH conditions.
Glucosamine-Derived Pyrogenic Dissolved Organic Matter Interaction With Mixed Aluminum-Iron Oxides
This research seeks to understand how the morphologies of co-precipitated oxides, especially crystalline mixed aluminum and iron, affect their interactions with glucosamine-derived pyrogenic dissolved organic matter at the mineral-water interface.
The Energetics and Energy Dynamics of Amino-Based Organics at the Ferrihydrite Surface
This research focuses on understanding the energetics and energy dynamics of amino-based organics at the ferrihydrite surface.
Chemo-dynamics of Interactions Between Industrial Polyamidoamine (PAMAM)-Based Nanoparticles and Environmentally Common Metal (hydro)oxides
This research investigates the chemo-dynamics of interactions between industrial polyamidoamine (PAMAM)-based nanoparticles and environmentally common metal (hydro)oxides. Much focus is placed on understanding the size-dependent binding and de-binding of these nanoparticles, (PAMAMs) onto and off of the surface of ferrihydrite.
Using Coffee Grounds as a Slow-Release Fertilizer in Soil
In this research project, we are using coffee grounds as a slow-release fertilizer to develop a deeper understanding of the physical and chemical properties of soils that affect soil productivity and how they change over time.
Effect of Fungal Degradation on Plant Biomass Capacity to Sequester Carbon
In this research project, we hope to understand the effects of fungal degradation on plant biomass capacity to sequester carbon and cationic pollutants.
Interactions Between Anti-inflammatory Drugs with Nanocrystalline Iron-Oxides
In this research project, we seek to understand the interactions between environmentally significant anti-inflammatory drugs with nanocrystalline iron-oxides.
Biochar and their Mechanisms to Remove Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water
We seek to investigate and understand the properties of biochar and their mechanisms to remove heavy metals from contaminated water.
INSTRUMENTS
The UV-Vis Spectrophotometry measures the absorbance of Ultraviolet and visible lights by a chemical substance. It uses the intensity of light transmitted through a sample and compared that to a reference measurement of the incident light source to quantify the analytes in a sample based on their absorption characteristics.
The Duetta is a spectrofluorometer that combines fluorescence and absorbance spectrometers to measure absorbance and the molecular fingerprints of samples.
FAMC is used to measure the energies associated with preferential sorption and desorption of molecules onto surfaces and the quantity of molecules involved in such interactions.
Thermogravimetric Analysis/Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TGA/DSC) is used to monitor and analyze the degradation temperatures, thermal stability, and absorbed moisture content of materials as temperature changes.
The tube furnace is used to heat materials up to 1700oC.
The ICP-OES uses plasma and spectrometer to determine the element and concentration present in samples.
The glove box is a sealed container that is used to carry out experiments under inert atmosphere.
The Isotemp oven is used in drying, age testing, and sterilization of materials at high temperatures.
Atomic force microscope is a high-resolution scanning probe microscope that is used to image the topography of soft biological molecules and probe the mechanical properties of cells.
The elemental analyzer determines the quantity and quality of an element in a sample.
The gas chromatographer is designed for the separation and detection of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). The hydrogen generator uses a proton exchange membrane (PEM) to produce high-purity hydrogen gas from water.
The FTIR collects high-resolution spectral data over a wide spectral range. The spectrum displays a spectrum of absorption or emission of a solid, liquid, or gas and uses those molecular fingerprints to identify compounds and perform surface analysis
The MDS readily breaks down the samples for elemental analysis through the exposure of strong organic acid and high pressure and temperature
The nanopure water purification system uses reverse osmosis to purify and dispense high resistivity and reagent-grade water for daily laboratory functions.
