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Fabien Kenig
 Sometimes identified as an organic geochemist or a biogeochemist,
I prefer to consider myself an Earth scientist. I use organic
and stable isotope geochemistry as a tool to address issues
in earth and environmental sciences. The Organic
Geochemistry Laboratory at UIC is equipped to isolate,
quantify, and identify organic compounds collected in samples
from the geosphere. Presently, my major concentration is
on paleoceanography. Biomarkers (molecular fossils) are used
to define the paleo-water column structure in ancient oceans
in order to provide strong constraints for paleoceanographic
circulation reconstruction of Jurassic and Cretaceous epicontinental
seas.
Another project uses biomarkers as proxies for paleoceanographic/paleoclimatic
changes during the Holocene in the Arctic (Barents Sea and
St. Anna Trough). Two other projects are currently undertaken
in my laboratory. The first is a collaborative project with
University of Hawaii and Washington University that deals
with life in extreme environments and uses biomarkers as
proxies for bacterial life in low flow hydrothermal systems
of oceanic ridge crusts. It attempts to find proof for the
existence of a subseafloor biomass. The second one is a pilot
project testing the impact of environment versus phylogeny
on the lipid composition of snake skins. I enjoy the diversity
of these projects as I believe that overspecialization can
result in scientific sterility.
Personal
Information
Organic
Geochemistry Laboratory
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