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Meet the Research Team Members

Assistant Professor

Dr. Josh LeMonte

January 28, 2021 12:56 AM
Dr. Josh LeMonte
Dr. LeMonte executes a research program focused on understanding complex geochemical processes across time (seconds to decades) and across space (angstroms to hectares). He has particular interest in the interdisciplinary study of extreme environments including the arctic, deserts, and coasts. He conducts studies under different experimental and environmental conditions (climate, Eh, pH, temperature, hydration state, microbial populations) to understand the biogeochemical cycling and fate and transport of chemicals - such as heavy metals, radionuclides, nitroaromatic explosives, and fertilizers - in the environment. Dr. LeMonte is experienced in using bright light sources generated at synchrotron facilities (associated with National Laboratories) to determine the forms (species) of metals and nutrients in the soil at the molecular scale. Additionally, he uses remote sensing to identify shifting chemical signatures in soil. The findings of these studies are useful to understand potential threats to human health and to generate best management practices. Dr. LeMonte comes to BYU after working for nearly 5 years as a research scientist for the Environmental Laboratory of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. Dr. LeMonte earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Soil Chemistry at the University of Delaware in 2016. He received both a master's and bachelor's in Environmental Science at Brigham Young University.

Graduate Students

Rachel Willmore

August 25, 2022 09:13 AM
Rachel is a graduate student working with Dr. Josh LeMonte in environmental geochemistry. She completed her bachelor's degree in Geology from BYU in 2021. During her undergrad, she worked with Ron Harris studying earthquake and tsunami hazards in Indonesia. In 2019, she traveled to Indonesia to assist with geophysical field work collecting Vs30 data. Rachel’s current project involves analyzing soils from Antarctica to discover how the geochemical makeup of Antarctica soils affects the distribution of microbial diversity.
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Austen Lambert

April 18, 2022 03:45 PM

Kate Hales

January 29, 2021 06:53 PM
Kate is from Kansas City, Kansas and she is a senior studying chemistry. She loves working in a laboratory setting and hopes to pursue a career in geochemical research. In her free time she enjoys experimenting with alternative photography processes, doing yoga, and being outside. Read Full Story

Student Research Manager

Meagan Boden

April 18, 2022 03:46 PM
Meagan is a senior from Arizona studying Environmental Science & Sustainability. She loves learning about human impacts on the environment and different ways to create sustainable communities. In her free time, Meagan loves spending time outdoors, reading good books, and doing the daily wordle. Read Full Story

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Mardell Overson

February 11, 2022 02:17 PM
Mardell is an undergraduate student studying geology from Charlotte, North Carolina. She is the teaching assistant for Geology 230 and interested in hydrology. She hopes to one day help to improve water quality and availability for those in need. Outside of studying for classes, she enjoys playing piano and spending time with friends. Read Full Story

Lindy Miller

June 23, 2023 04:04 PM

Danny Lopez Cedeno

February 07, 2024 03:51 PM
Danny is a sophomore from South Jordan, Utah studying Environmental Geology with a minor in Chemistry. He enjoys learning about carbon, microplastic, and PFAS. In his free time he likes to read, fish, and skateboard. He also loves macaroni! Read Full Story

Seth Wuthrich

February 07, 2024 03:59 PM

Maleah Moore

February 07, 2024 04:01 PM
Maleah Moore is a junior studying Civil Engineering from San Marcos, California. She loves working with soil and anything water-related. She hopes to work with water treatment, teach kids how to deal with prevalent environmental problems, be the connection between scientists/engineers and the public, and possibly go abroad with any of these goals. When she's not in the lab or class, Maleah adores reading, swimming, being outside, and eating lumpia! Read Full Story