Jeffrey G. Catalano

Jeffrey G. Catalano is a Professor of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences and Director of Environmental Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. He holds affiliations with the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences and the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences. He earned a PhD from Stanford University.

His research focuses on aqueous geochemistry of terrestrial and planetary systems, investigating geochemical processes governing mineralogy and trace metal cycling in aquatic environments. Key areas include environmental biogeochemistry, planetary geochemistry (particularly Mars), and geobiology. Techniques employed include laboratory analytics, synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy, and geochemical modeling.

Recent work explores trace metal adsorption mechanisms on mineral surfaces, planetary geochemical histories via Mars rover data, and environmental remediation strategies for contaminants like selenium and lead. His lab, the Aqueous Geochemistry and Mineralogy Group, emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding Earth and extraterrestrial systems.

Publications highlight advancements in understanding adsorption selectivity, redox processes, and mineral-molecule interactions. Ongoing projects include the GEO-CM initiative on critical mineral biogeochemistry and investigations into Mars' geochemical evolution.