Robert N. Ulrich
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Robert N Ulrich 11000 Weyburn Dr. Apt 724 Los Angeles, CA 90024 [email protected] — (703) 851-7276 Education University of California, Los Angeles September 2017 – Present Ph.D., Geochemistry Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University August 2013 – May 2017 B.S., Chemistry, 3.52 GPA B.S., Geosciences, 3.74 GPA Research Experience University of California, Los Angeles – Advisor, Dr. Aradhna Tripati September 2017 – Present Graduate Student Researcher, Using multiple geochemical tracers to shed light on a newly-discovered major mineral formation pathway for biominerals Purpose: To determine the effect of the amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) precursor on the clumped isotope signatures of crystalline polymorphs of calcium carbonate in both inorganic and organic synthesis. Techniques: GC-MS, vacuum line, acid digestion, apparatus design, flow-through experiments Virginia Tech Biogeochemistry Lab – Advisor, Dr. Patricia Dove June 2015 – June 2017 Undergraduate Student Researcher, The Mg-dependent solubility and local structure of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC) Purpose: Quantify the solubility product, Ksp, of ACC at standard temperature and pressure using 2+ - experimental methods that determine the effect of Mg and HCO3 concentrations. Techniques: pH measurements, flow-through experiments, XRD, SEM, APS synchrotron Undergraduate Student Researcher, Establishing Composition Systematics in the American Lobster Homarus americanus Purpose: Quantify distribution of elements magnesium, calcium, strontium, and phosphorus in the mineral and organic components of the lobster exoskeleton and determine relationships to the function of body components. Techniques: chemical extraction, ICP-OES, pH measurements, titrations Virginia Tech Sedimentary Systems Lab – Advisor, Dr. Brian Romans August – December 2014 Undergraduate Student Researcher, Petrographic characterization of axial versus marginal submarine channel sandstones, Tres Pasos Formation Purpose: Determine relationships between location within an oil field reservoir and quality or type of sediment. This study also developed and tested new image-analysis software workflows to streamline future research. Techniques: microscopy, Leica software Publications and Presentations Sebastian T Mergelsberg, Robert N Ulrich, Shuhai Xiao, Patricia M Dove (submitted) Establishing Composition Systematics in the American Lobster Homarus americanus. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Robert N Ulrich, Sebastian T Mergelsberg, Patricia M Dove (2017) Distribution of magnesium and phosphorus in the H. americanus exoskeleton: Insights for chemical signatures in biominerals. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting. New Orleans, LA. Sebastian T Mergelsberg, Robert N Ulrich, Patricia M Dove (2017) The Solubility of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate(s) (ACC): Toward and Understanding of Chemical and Structural Evolution During Mineralization. Geological Society of America National Meeting. Seattle, WA. Robert N Ulrich, Sebastian T Mergelsberg, Patricia M Dove (2017) Distribution of Magnesium and Phosphorus in the H. Americanus Exoskeleton: Insights for Chemical Signatures in Biominerals. Geoscience Student Research Symposium. Blacksburg, VA. Robert N Ulrich, Sebastian T Mergelsberg, Patricia M Dove (2016) Exoskeleton Heterogeneity in Crustaceans: Quantifying Compositional and Structural Variations across body parts in H. americanus. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting. San Francisco, CA. Sebastian T Mergelsberg, Robert N Ulrich, F Marc Michel, Patricia M Dove (2016) Influence of Magnesium Content on the Local Structure of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC): Real Time Determination by In Situ PDF Analysis. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting. San Francisco, CA. Sebastian T Mergelsberg, Robert N Ulrich, Patricia M Dove (2016) Morphological Dependence of Element Stoichiometry in the H. americanus Exoskeleton. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting. San Francisco, CA. Robert N Ulrich, Sebastian T Mergelsberg, Patricia M Dove (2016) Dependence of exoskeleton composition on the mineral, protein, and chitin components in the American Lobster, H. americanus. Geoscience Student Research Symposium. Blacksburg, VA. Robert N Ulrich, Sebastian T Mergelsberg, Patricia M Dove (2015) Morphological dependence of element distributions in the organic and mineral fractions of the H. americanus exoskeleton. Geological Society of America National Meeting. Baltimore, MD. Teaching Experience Teaching Assistant, UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability Fall 2017 Introduction to Environmental Science (M 10) Curriculum development Teaching Assistant, Virginia Tech Department of Chemistry Spring 2016 & 2017 General Chemistry (CHEM 1035 & 1036) Chemistry Tutor, Virginia Tech Dept. of Chemistry, Alpha Chi Sigma August 2014 – May 2017 Tutored undergraduates in general, analytical, physical, and environmental chemistry Industry Experience Intern, S.S. Papadopulos & Associates, Inc., Bethesda, MD June 2017 – September 2017 Analyzed the distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls in the environment using fugacity models Developed the framework of a stable isotope-mixing model for perchlorate contaminated sites Juxtaposed EPA analysis methods in regard to naphthalene concentrations in water samples Analyzed the interactions of recycled concrete aggregates with groundwater Workshops Attended AGU Sharing Science, George Mason University, Arlington, VA August 2017 Getting Their Attention: How to Talk to Policymakers Honors and Awards UCLA Graduate Division Fellowship Award ($10,000) Fall 2017 Dean’s List All semesters 2014 - 2017 Thomas T. Jeffries Endowed Fund Scholarship ($1,000) Spring 2016 Service Geology Booth, Exploring Your Universe Science Festival, Los Angeles, CA November 2017 Mentor, Organization of Cultural Diversity in Science Fall Science Showcase, Los Angeles, CA October 2017 Founder, Queers in STEM, University of California, Los Angeles, CA October 2017 Program Ambassador, Virginia Tech Department of Chemistry April 2016 – May 2017 Student Volunteer, The Big Event, Blacksburg, VA All semesters 2013 – 2017 Student Volunteer, Relay for Life, Blacksburg VA All semesters 2013 – 2017 Affiliations Center for Diverse Leadership in Science (CDLS) Out in STEM (oSTEM) National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP) Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Scientists (LAGLS) American Geophysical Union (AGU) Geological Society of America (GSA) Geochemical Society American Chemical Society (ACS) .