Shikha Sharma
Dr. Sharma’s research bridges the fields of stable Isotope geochemistry, biogeochemistry, and hydrogeochemistry to address a wide variety of issues related to the “Energy-Environment” nexus.
PI: Shikha Sharma, Professor of Geology
Research
My research bridges the fields of stable Isotope geochemistry, biogeochemistry and hydrogeochemistry to address various issues related to the Energy and Environment. Current research conducted in my laboratory focuses on 1) sustainable energy solutions related to the release and recovery of critical minerals from unconventional shales and coals, geologic CO2 sequestration, and enhanced geothermal systems, 2) transport of fluids, gas, and contaminants in anthropogenically disturbed subsurface and surface hydrologic systems and, 3) impact of climate change and rising global CO2 levels on soil carbon cycling. We accomplish this by utilizing different isotopic, geochemical, biomarker, spectroscopic, and mineralogical tools. We are engaged in several collaborative research projects funded by the Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency etc.
Teaching
- GEOL 486: Environmental Isotopes
- GEOL 591X: Analytical Techniques in Geology
- GEOL 586: Advanced Isotope Geochemistry
- GEOL 101: Planet Earth
Recent Publications
Sharma S., Agrawal V., Akondi R. Wang Y, Hakala A. 2021 Understanding controls on the geochemistry of hydrocarbon produced waters from different basins across the US. Env. Sci. Processes and Impacts https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00388C
Agrawal V and Sharma S 2021 Critical Minerals: Current Challenges and future strategies. Int. J. of Env. Sci. and Natural Res. DOI:10.19080/IJESNR.2021.27.556215JESNR.2021
Sharma S., Agrawal V., Akondi R. 2020. Role of Biogeochemistry in efficient shale oil and gas production. Fuel 259 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2019.116207
Phan T., Hakala A., Sharma S. 2020. Application of geochemical signals in unconventional oil and gas reservoir produced waters towards characterizing in situ geochemical fluid-shale reactions. Science of Total Environment Science of Total Environment 714-136867
Agrawal V. and Sharma S., 2020. Are we modeling the properties of unconventional shales correctly? Fuel 267: 117316.