Deeper Talks: SURF Seminar Series
The Institute and SURF is proud of its researcher community and this series aims to strengthen the sense of intellectual community. It provides a platform for researchers to discuss their work, share insights, and foster interdisciplinary connections.
2024 Talk Series Schedule
View Recordings of Past Talks (click the topic link to view)
May 8 – LAUNCH OF SERIES
Topic: A decade of DeMMO: Microbes a mile underground at SURF (view here)
Speaker: Magdalena “Maggie” Osburn Ph.D.
July 10
Topic: Unveiling Neutrinos: Insights from Grand Unification, Laboratory Experiments, and Cosmic Observations (view here)
Speaker Panel: Borut Bajc, Julia Gehrlein, and Bhupal Dev
August 14
Topic: Delving Deep with DUNE: The Science and Status of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (view here)
Speaker: Dr. Mary Bishai
September 11
Topic: The Water Beneath Our Feet: Using SURF as a Natural Lab for Groundwater Studies (view here)
Speaker: Dr. Scott Beeler
October 9
Topic: Mining for WIMPs with the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) dark matter experiment (view here)
Speaker: Dr. David Woodward
Upcoming Talks
November 13
Topic: Coming Soon! Register Now (Details to Follow)
Speaker: TBD
Details about the November talk will follow. If you have any suggestions for topics or speakers for a future talk please reach out to The Institute for Underground Science at SURF.
December 11
Topic: Biologically Accelerated Carbon Sequestration with Extremophiles for Climate Mitigation" (Register Here)
Speaker: Dr. Tanvi Govil
Global efforts to mitigate climate change hinge on deploying effective carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies. These technologies encompass three key methods: in-situ mineralization within geological formations, ex-situ mineralization through engineered systems on the surface, and subsurface mineralization that solidifies CO2 in deeper geological layers. Each method has its advantages and limitations, but they all face a common challenge: the slow rate of carbonate precipitation, which limits the speed and efficiency of the sequestration process.
Through our previous NSF-funded EAGER proposal, we have established a novel approach by utilizing extremophile microbes—organisms that thrive in extreme environments—to accelerate the mineralization process. These microbes enhance the conversion of atmospheric CO2 into stable mineral forms such as calcite and magnesite, significantly increasing the efficiency and scalability of traditional CCS methods. This biologically enhanced mineralization offers a faster, more reliable method for trapping CO2 in mineral forms that can safely be stored over geological timescales.
Our ongoing research focuses on refining microbial processes for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), with the future aim of scaling up these operations to demonstrate their feasibility in real-world settings. A prospective avenue for further research is the potential use of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) to test and optimize these technologies under actual geological conditions. Located in South Dakota, SURF could provide access to deep geological formations essential for both in-situ and subsurface mineralization studies. This potential collaboration would leverage South Dakota’s geological resources and could position the state as a leader in innovative climate solutions. Such an initiative might attract further research investments and expand local expertise in geotechnical and environmental engineering. Our ultimate goal is to validate biologically accelerated carbon sequestration as a viable and efficient solution to help combat global climate change by removing and permanently storing atmospheric CO2.
Register for the next Deeper Talks
Register hereEvent Details
When: 2nd Wednesday of each month from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. MT
How: hybrid event online or in person at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center
Event details:
8:45 a.m. The Institute for Underground Science at SURF Informational Video begins
9:00 a.m. Presentation begins
9:30 a.m. Q&A with speaker
9:50 a.m. Program concludes