Markus Bill - Earth and Environmental Sciences Area

Biography

After obtaining my Ph.D. at the University of Lausanne in the field of geology and isotope geochemistry. I have actively conducted research in the field of isotope geology and isotope environmental chemistry. I have conducted research, Tübingen (Germany), at the University of California at Berkeley, Kansas State University, and at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. I have had opportunities to teach a variety of lectures in the field of environmental and isotope geochemistry at both European and US universities. My teaching experience also covers practical work in the area of geology. I have also had the opportunity to work in the area of policy management in the environmental sector for a Swiss governmental agency.

Research Interests

In my research I try to understand and quantify geochemical and biochemical interactions betweenand in the geosphere, the biosphere, the hydrosphere, and the atmosphere. An important aspect of this work is to examine how biological communities at both the micro and macroscopic scale respond to changes in geochemical cycles.

My research encompasses the areas of geology and isotopic biogeochemistry associated with modern and palaeoenvironments. I strongly think that this approach can help to understand better earth history and modern environment evolution. I utilize stable isotopes, elemental concentrations, as well as identification and quantitition of specific organic compounds and biochemical proxies.

Current projects in modern environments include field and laboratory experiments for studying the chemical and microbial transformation of contaminants in soil and groundwater. Projects in paleoenvironments include the effects in carbon cycling on marine ecosystems and on biotic evolution during Jurassic period.

Experience

Scientific Engineer Associate, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, CA, 2007-2011
Director of Laboratories, Kansas State University, KS, 2006
Independent Consultant Biogeochemist, 2005
Project Manager of Groundwater, Soil and Air Pollution Division, Environmental Agency, Jura Canton, Switzerland, 2003-2004
Postgraduate Researcher, University of California at Berkeley, CA, 2001-2002
Visiting Postdoc, University of California at Berkeley, CA, 2000
Postdoctoral Researcher, Eberhard-Karls-University at Tübingen, Germany, 1998-1999
Postgraduate Assistant, University of Lausanne, Switzerland, 1993-1998
Graduate Assistant, University of Lausanne, Switzerland, 1991-1993

Research Funding

Stable carbon isotope approach for understanding the methyl bromide budget of the atmosphere. Funded by Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), project no 8220-064670. Amount granted CHF 176,330. Duration (01.07.2001 - 31.12.2002.), 2001-2002
An isotopic approach for determining the industrial fraction of total CH3Br source to the atmosphere. Funded by Novartis Foundation. Amount granted CHF 12,000. Duration (01.01.2000 - 31.12.2000.), 2000
Isotope geochemistry application (C, S and N) to the quantification of organic pollutants. Funded by Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), project no. 81LA-537663. Amount granted CHF 41,000. Duration (01.09.1998 - 31.08.1999), 1998-1999
Recherche en géologie sur l'impact de pollution d'hydrocarbures à Tübingen. Funded by Société Académique Vaudoise. Amount granted 5,000. Duration 01.09.1998 - 31.08.1999.), 1998-1999