Becca Kirk

Coming from a background in green chemistry, my PhD work focuses on the natural biogeochemistry of lithium. This looks at characterising the microbial communities present in lithium salars, and recognising and researching their roles in lithium hard rock weathering. Furthering this it considers the environmental impacts of the processes and considers their use in improving environmental metrics of current lithium extraction processes. The work undertaken collabrates with the LiFT work based in the ESI, aiding in research for lithium for the use in future technologies. I am supervised by Dr Laura Newsome and Professor Karen Hudson-Edwards.

I am part of the GeoNetZero CDT programme based at Heriot-Watt University that provides training throughout the PhD programme in disciplines related to geosciences that are necessary in the transition to a zero carbon future. This involves training in the geosciene based theory for renewable energy, critical mineral extraction and carbon capture and storage.