Shanna L. Estes

Dr. Shanna L. Estes serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Clemson University's College of Science, where she leads research in actinide chemistry and nuclear environmental science. Her work bridges fundamental molecular studies with practical applications in nuclear waste management and environmental protection.

Her academic foundation includes a B.S. in Chemistry (2006), M.S. (2011), and Ph.D. (2014) in Environmental Engineering and Science from Clemson University, followed by postdoctoral training in Heavy Element and Separations Science at Argonne National Laboratory (2015-2018).

Dr. Estes' research program investigates aqueous actinide behavior under extreme conditions using molecular spectroscopy, voltammetry, X-ray diffraction, and calorimetry. She specializes in redox chemistry of light actinides (uranium, plutonium, neptunium) to develop improved nuclear waste separation methods and predict environmental mobility in geologic repositories. Her group examines how ionic strength, temperature, and coordination environments influence thermodynamic properties.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2013-2025) reveals three dominant research thrusts: (1) Synthesis of novel actinide materials (americium/plutonium compounds via flux crystal growth), (2) Thermodynamic studies of actinide adsorption/complexation using advanced spectroscopic techniques, and (3) Environmental applications including Colombian mining health assessments and ceria-based energy materials. Her work consistently leverages cerium as an actinide surrogate for safer experimentation.

Dr. Estes mentors graduate students in nuclear chemistry while operating from the Clemson Environmental Technologies Laboratory (CETL), utilizing specialized facilities in Rust Building (Labs 17, 27, 28; Office 107) and Hunter Hall 259 for handling radioactive materials and conducting high-precision measurements.