Professor O'Day's research interests are in mineral-aqueous interface geochemistry as it relates to the chemistry and mobility of chemical species in the environment. She applies a variety of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques — in particular synchrotron X-ray methods — to studies of contaminant cycling, bioavailability, and remediation in natural systems. Other interests include abiotic and biotic geochemical cycling and microbial colonization in hydrothermal systems.
Current research projects include studies of:
- Arsenic speciation in the environment as a function of iron and sulfur reactivity
- Rates and mechanisms of arsenic removal from solution by permeable reactive barriers
- Experimental studies of strontium and cesium uptake and release by secondary weathering products related to subsurface contamination at Hanford WA
- Seasonal variations in transition metal bioavailability
- Ph.D., 1992 — Stanford University
- M.S., 1984 — Cornell University
- B.S., 1981 — University of California, Davis
