Jim Amonette

Jim Amonette is an Adjunct Professor at Washington State University (WSU), with a joint appointment at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) since 1986. His work focuses on biochar’s role in climate change mitigation, particularly in agricultural systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil Chemistry from Iowa State University, alongside M.S. and B.S. degrees in related fields.

His research interests include environmental geochemistry, soil mineralogy, and carbon sequestration. He has authored over 125 peer-reviewed publications, 7 patents, and contributed to a seminal book on soil mineralogy. Notable achievements include the 2008 Fitzner-Eberhardt Award and the 2010 Nature Communications paper on sustainable biochar.

Amonette collaborates with CSANR (Center for Sustaining Agriculture & Natural Resources) and serves on professional boards like the Clay Minerals Society and Soil Science Society of America. His work bridges laboratory studies, field applications, and policy, emphasizing practical solutions for sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.

• Education:
• Ph.D., Soil Chemistry, Iowa State University
• M.S., Soil Chemistry, Iowa State University
• B.S., Soil Science, New Mexico State University

Key Awards:

• PNNL Laboratory Director’s Award (2008)
• R&D100 Award (1998)

His recent work emphasizes biochar’s technical potential in CO₂ drawdown and small-scale agricultural viability in the Pacific Northwest. He actively contributes to global biochar research roadmaps and standardization efforts.