Katherine Romanak

Katherine Romanak is a Research Professor at the Bureau of Economic Geology, The University of Texas at Austin, specializing in geochemistry and carbon capture/storage (CCS) technologies. She pioneered the process-based soil gas monitoring approach for detecting CO2 leakage, which has become a global standard. Her work bridges scientific research and policy, with contributions to UNFCCC COPs and U.S. Class VI CCS regulations.

• Ph.D. in Geology (1997), UT Austin
• M.S. in Geology (1988), UT Arlington
• B.S. in Geology (1984), Southern Methodist University

Her research focuses on:

• Geochemistry of carbon cycling in vadose zones and aquifers
• Development of environmental monitoring protocols for CCS sites
• CO2 leakage attribution and stakeholder engagement
• Integration of machine learning with field monitoring techniques

Recent publications emphasize simplifying monitoring complexity, offshore CCS applications, and machine learning for anomaly detection. She holds two U.S. patents and collaborates globally on projects in Japan, Australia, Canada, and the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Scientific awards include:

• 2015 BEG publication award
• 2017 U.S. patents for CO2 leakage detection

Her team seeks partnerships with vadose zone modelers and microbiologists to advance industrial-scale monitoring systems. Romanak also co-developed UT Austin’s online CCS certification program and provides technical training for petroleum professionals transitioning to CCS roles.