People

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.