Cara Santelli

Associate Professor, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Cara Santelli, an associate professor of geomicrobiology in Earth and Environmental Sciences, studies the interactions between the biological and geological spheres of our planet. Her research examines how microbes influence the quality of water and soil environments, and how we can transform this knowledge to develop and improve strategies for remediating environmental pollutants.

Several of her projects examine the biogeochemical cycling of metals in human-impacted environments, such as those resulting from mining or industrial manufacturing, to understand how certain metal contaminants are distributed and move through systems. One such project is a collaboration with Native nations in the Great Lakes region to understand the threats (environmental and social) to manoomin (wild rice) so this culturally significant grain can be protected and sustained for future generations. This project, in particular, advanced her interest in environmental justice and inspired the incorporation of the social components in this course.

Course(s) taught

GCC 3038

Cara Santelli Photo