Scott Beeler

Dr. Scott Beeler is a Research Scientist III at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SD Mines), where he manages analytical instrumentation for the characterization of geologic, biological, and manufactured materials in the Engineering and Mining Experiment Station. His research focuses on understanding the co-evolution of life and its environment through Earth’s history. He joined SD Mines in 2019 after earning his Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Washington University in St. Louis.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis (2019)

Research Interests:

• Geochemical analysis of fossil materials and their environmental implications
• Soil biogeochemistry influenced by decomposition processes
• Microbialite formation and geobiological archives
• Environmental geochemistry of metals and resource recovery

His work bridges analytical geochemistry with ecological and geological systems, emphasizing long-term environmental impacts and microbial interactions.

Teaching: Dr. Beeler teaches GEOL 624L: Analytical Methods in Geochemistry, integrating laboratory techniques with field-based research.

Grants & Collaborations: While specific grants are not detailed, his research involves collaborative projects on microbialite systems and decomposition studies in the Northern Great Plains.

Labs/Teams: He is affiliated with the Engineering and Mining Experiment Station at SD Mines, leveraging advanced analytical facilities for interdisciplinary research.