Udo Becker

Udo Becker is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He holds a Ph.D. in Mineralogy and Nanosciences from Virginia Tech (1995). His research focuses on mineral surface chemistry, computational mineralogy, and environmental geochemistry, particularly investigating atomic-scale mechanisms of mineral-water interactions. Key projects include studying sulfide oxidation in acid mine drainage, noble metal nanoparticle formation, and redox reactions on oxide surfaces. He leads the Surface Geochemistry and Computational Mineralogy Group, leveraging advanced techniques like STM, AFM, XPS, and quantum mechanical simulations.

His work addresses critical environmental challenges such as heavy-metal remediation, drinking water purification, and biomineralization processes. Recent breakthroughs include resolving the 'dolomite problem' through dissolution-mediated crystal growth mechanisms, published in Science (2023). Collaborative research spans actinide materials, mineral catalysis, and wettability alterations in carbonates.

Becker's contributions integrate experimental and computational methods to advance understanding of mineral reactivity, with applications in environmental engineering, energy, and materials science. He has advised numerous graduate students and postdocs, though specific names are not listed here.