Barry Freifeld is the new Hydrogeology Department Head - Earth and Environmental Sciences Area

Barry Freifeld (right) and David Freeman prepare equipment for a carbon sequestration demonstration project in Australia.

Announced today by Susan Hubbard, ALD for the Earth and Environmental Sciences Area (EESA), Barry Freifeld will assume the role as Department Head for Hydrogeology, effective November 1, 2016.

Freifeld-in-the-field Barry is internationally recognized by the scientific community for advances in wellbore monitoring technologies used to gain greater understanding of subsurface processes. He has managed the Carbon Storage Program’s Core CO₂ R&D program at LBNL since 2008, leading international collaborations with research organizations in Germany, Australia, and Canada. Select examples of Barry’s contributions or inventions include a portable whole-core x-ray computed tomography imaging system, the U-tube geochemical sampling methodology, distributed thermal and acoustic fiber-optic technologies. Barry is also recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy and California Agencies for his expertise in wellbore integrity. He served as a scientific advisor to the State of California, Department of Conservation Aliso Canyon response, and is currently leading a multi-laboratory team supporting the Aliso Canyon natural gas leak task force.

Hubbard says that, “Barry will undoubtedly bring new perspectives and ideas to his Hydrogeology Department Head role, as well as to the Area and Division Councils.”

Tim Kneafsey

Thanks are extended to Tim Kneafsey for his outstanding leadership of the Hydrogeology Department over the past several years, as well as his continued vision for and dedication to the new Area and Divisions.

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