Bernhardt Saini-Eidukat

Bernhardt Saini-Eidukat is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at North Dakota State University (NDSU). His research integrates geochemical analysis with field-based studies, focusing on mineralogy, petrology, environmental geochemistry, and geologic education. He employs advanced techniques like electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and geochemical modeling.

Education: Dr. Saini-Eidukat earned a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the University of Minnesota (1991), with a thesis on Platinum Group Elements in the Duluth Complex. He also holds B.S. degrees in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Minnesota (1984).

Research interests include: bedrock geology, ore deposit characterization, environmental impacts of oil development (e.g., produced water, gravel road dust), and REE mobility in river systems. He collaborates on soil remediation projects led by soil scientist Tom DeSutter. His work also addresses toxic minerals like erionite and the application of virtual worlds for geoscience education.

Key projects include geochronology of North Dakota's Precambrian basement, dinosaur fossilization pathways in the Hell Creek Formation, and development of immersive virtual environments like the Geology Explorer. He advises students on studies such as the Walsh County Precambrian rock analysis (Beaudry et al.) and Pembina Escarpment soil studies (Pereira et al.).

• Teaching innovations: Virtual world platforms for geoscience education
• Fieldwork: Little Missouri River studies, Killdeer Mountains mineral surveys
• International collaborations: Patagonian granite studies, Finland's mafic intrusions research