Brilliant! Geochemist Prof. Dr. Michael Bau named “Geochemistry Fellow” for continued excellence
In recognition of his scientific achievements and of the numerous impactful contributions to geochemistry throughout his career, Dr. Michael Bau, professor of geosciences at Constructor University has received the title “Geochemistry Fellow.” The honorary title is awarded annually by the American Geochemical Society and the European Association of Geochemistry to recognize the best in the field.
“It is a fantastic acknowledgement of my work that truly means a lot to me,” says Dr. Bau, who has conducted research and taught at Constructor University since 2003. In that time, Dr. Bau has helped create and implement numerous, award-winning geoscience study programs, including the current “Earth Sciences and Sustainable Management of Environmental Resources.”
In his research, Dr. Bau was trailblazer in the study of rare earth elements – which today are in very high demand. Furthermore, he studied the elements hafnium, gallium, lithium and scandium and the behavior of these critical metals in the environment. His observation helped discover that the way in which yttrium behaves in comparison to the rare earth elements is an indicator that helps to better understand a variety of natural processes. This led to an extension of the traditional REE (rare earth elements) to REY (rare earths and yttrium) geochemistry, which is now generally accepted worldwide due to Dr. Bau’s work.
Recently, Dr. Bau and his team made headlines for their work on the concentrations of the element gadolinium in rivers and drinking water, as well as in plants, animals and foodstuffs. Gadolinium is used in contrast agents for MRI scans, and is observed in anomalously high concentrations in rivers, tap water and beverages, where it indicates the presence of other pharmaceutical residues. At present, Dr. Bau is studying critical raw materials, including the REY and lithium, in geothermal waters, hot springs and lakes. Additionally, Dr. Bau is engaged in research on the evolution of the Earth’s early oceans and atmosphere.
“I am thrilled that Professor Dr. Michael Bau has been honored with this prestigious award from both of these renowned international professional societies, and would like to extend my most heartfelt congratulations,” says Prof. Dr. Susanne Illenberger, Dean of the School of Science at Constructor University. “As part of his many years of research at our university, Dr. Bau is an expert in the field of rare earths who is not only dedicated to fundamental research on a global scale, but also to matters of regional importance. Our students at Constructor University, whose final theses have often been included as contributions in high-ranking publications, benefit greatly from these diverse research activities.”
Dr. Bau will receive the honorary title “Geochemistry Fellow” this summer in Prague at the Goldschmidt Conference held by the Geochemical Society and der European Association of Geochemistry.
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D. Scott Peterson | Corporate Communications
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