Fellow Bios
Dee Turner
Thesis Title: Causes, Effects, and Mitigation of Microbial Degradation of Ignitable Liquids
Graduate Dept: Chemistry
Degree Sought: MS
Research Advisor: John Goodpaster
Lab Website: Click Here
Teacher Partner: Melissa Baskett
Partner School: Southport High School
School URL: Click Here
Research Goal
Develop a simple, inexpensive chemical method that investigators can use in the field when collecting evidence of a suspicious fire, to preserve the ignitable liquid from microbial degradation.
Description of Your Research
I am studying the effects of microbial degradation in many different types of ignitable liquids by passive headspace concentration onto a charcoal strip and analyzing the sample by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. I also am studying degradation of gasoline in different types of soils and soil from different seasons. Also, I am culturing the soil bacteria and monitoring degradation in media as well as testing different household chemicals to determine which would stop degradation the best and in the smallest concentration.
Examples Of How My Research Is Integrated Into My GK-12 Experience
My research is based on the physical characteristics of the compounds that make up the ignitable liquids. We can integrate my research by discussing and doing lab exercises with different ignitable liquids to test solubility and boiling point. Then we can give the students and unknown and they can test it based on what the know to determine what type of ignitable liquid they have.
Currently, My GK-12 Classroom Is Investigating
Links of Interest