What do we do?
Much of our research integrates concepts from geochemistry, microbiology, and hydrogeology to answer questions about water and the environment. As an example, our work in the High Plains aquifer considers questions such as:
We are also testing the use of groundwater quality monitoring as a way to introduce students to geoscience and increase their interest in pursuing it as a career. Currently, this effort is conducted through our Kansas Groundwater Geopaths project. Open access geomicrobiology text book Much of our work involves some aspect of microbiology because microorganisms drive many of the geochemical reactions in aqueous systems such as aquifers. To help students learn about microbiology, Matthew Kirk has recently published an open-access textbook - Microbiology for Earth Scientists - available online for free. Presentation on Kirk Lab research - September 2019 For more information about our research, please check out the video below. This presentation focuses on our anaerobic microbiology research. However, it also provides an overview of current projects (as of 2019) and describes motivation and potential applications of our research.
Interested in joining us? Postdocs and students who are interested in joining our research group should contact Matthew Kirk to discuss qualifications and research interests. Graduate students Geology students can apply to do graduate research in our group at the MS level. Application instructions are provided here on the Geology Department website. Please contact Matthew Kirk before applying, however, to discuss potential projects and funding. Undergraduate Students Undergraduate students conduct research in our lab group as technicians and for undergraduate thesis credit. We also have a newly funded (2023-2025) undergraduate research program for students interested in groundwater quality monitoring called Groundwater Geopaths. K-State undergraduate students who are interested in research opportunities should contact Matthew Kirk for more information. |
Recent news
For recent news and events, check out the K-State Department of Geology website and also Matthew Kirk's twitter account. Address
Kansas State University, Department of Geology 108 Thompson Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506 Indigenous Land Acknowledgement We live and do research on land that was originally home to several indigenous nations, including the Kaw, Osage, and Pawnee. This land was stolen from them and we acknowledge this truth. For more details, please see the K-State Land Acknowledgement. |