Qi Fu

Qi Fu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston. His research focuses on organic geochemistry and stable isotope geochemistry, with applications in sedimentary basin processes, hydrothermal systems, and astrobiological implications. He obtained his Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Minnesota (2006), M.S. (1997) and B.S. (1994) in Earth Sciences from Nanjing University.

• Key research areas:
  • Origin and evolution of organic compounds
  • Stable isotope fractionation in geological settings
  • Abiotic hydrocarbon synthesis in hydrothermal systems
  • Carbon sequestration via mineral reactions
  • Natural hydrogen production from ultramafic rocks

Publication Trends: 15 most recent articles (1996–2021) reveal expertise in (1) abiotic organic synthesis in hydrothermal environments, (2) isotope-based paleoenvironmental reconstructions, (3) carbon sequestration mechanisms, and (4) petroleum system modeling. His work spans experimental geochemistry, field studies, and isotopic characterization across marine, lacustrine, and Martian analog systems.

Awards:

• NSF CAREER Award (2017)

Teaching:

• GEOL 1330 Physical Geology
• GEOL 3370 Mineralogy
• GEOL 6343 Organic Geochemistry
• GEOL 6344 Light Stable Isotope Geochemistry

His courses emphasize analytical techniques (GC, MS, IRMS) and hands-on training in organic compound identification.