Derek Peak

Dr. Derek Peak is a Professor in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan, affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. His work focuses on soil chemistry, synchrotron science, and contaminant fate in soils. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Soil Chemistry from the University of Delaware and a B.Sc. in Environmental Management Systems from Louisiana State University.

Research Interests: Dr. Peak explores chemical speciation in soils using synchrotron radiation, oxyanion bonding mechanisms, and metal-ligand complex spectroscopy. His work addresses environmental challenges such as phosphorus cycling, heavy metal toxicity, and remediation of contaminated soils. Recent projects include optimizing FT-NIR spectroscopy for soil analysis and studying metalloid mobility in mine tailings.

Key Contributions: His research has advanced understanding of soil organic carbon dynamics, bioremediation strategies, and mineral-organic matter interactions. He collaborates internationally on food security initiatives, such as the MicroVeg project in West Africa, enhancing fertilizer efficiency and crop yields in resource-limited environments.

Education:

• Ph.D. (Environmental Soil Chemistry), University of Delaware, U.S.A.
• B.Sc. (Environmental Management Systems), Louisiana State University, U.S.A.

Grants & Labs: His work is supported by grants focusing on spectroscopic tools for soil analysis and environmental remediation. He leads research teams at the University of Saskatchewan, leveraging synchrotron-based techniques and field-scale experiments.