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Sunshyne Hummel
MS Student Earth Sciences
Advisor: Zunli LuResearch and Teaching Interests
My broad research interests include the geochemistry of groundwater, trace metal transport, and water quality issues related to hydraulic fracturing. My MS research involves studying the chemistry of formation brines in sedimentary basins. Specifically I am researching new tools to fingerprint formation waters in the Appalachian Basin. As many know, hydraulic fracturing (hydrofracking) is a controversial issue and many people are unsure of the impact on water quality. Previous research on identifying brines involves using typical elements such as sodium, chloride, bromide, and strontium. I am using Iodine and other halogens to identify the formation water brines. Finding new methods of fingerprinting sedimentary basin brines will help with the understanding of natural migration of the brines within oil and gas fields. My research is part of Project S.W.I.F.T. More information can be found at swift.syr.edu.
I am additionally working on a second project looking at oilfield brines in the Junggar Basin (Western China). Part of this research is to study the interaction of injection and formation water, to better understand the hydraulic connectivity and oil productivity within the basin. We will also be using iodine and other halogens to fingerprint the source of the brines.
Teaching
