Christopher Kim’s concern for the earth has not gone unnoticed.

Kim, an assistant professor of chemistry, received the most prestigious award the National Science Foundation has to offer. On Aug. 31, the foundation’s Early Career Development Program awarded him a grant of $409,542 to support his research on metals waste.

“My proposal involves new scientific investigations and a broad impact to society,” said Kim.

The main focus of Kim’s research is the arsenic found in mines, especially in places like the Mojave Desert. Kim has hypothesized that the smaller the metal particle, the more deadly the poison carried upon it will be.

Arsenic can be carried through wind, water, or rain, increasing its exposure rate to people and animals surrounding the mines.

“It’s a question of how much arsenic there is, what the chemical form of arsenic is, how dangerous that form is, and what we can do to stop it,” he said.

He tests this by exposing it to different liquids to see how easily the arsenic will dissolve out of the particles. Kim tests these particles by using water-simulated gastric fluid found in the stomach and simulated lung fluid.

Kim hopes that once he gathers enough information, he and his team can share their findings with federal agencies. They then can use the information to make decisions on how to clean up these land mines.

Although Kim is a researcher, he is first and foremost an educator, he said, and has found ways to involve students and the community with his project.

“It’s an important reflection of the work the students have done to set the stage for this grant,” Kim said.

He has set up research labs to allow undergraduate students the unique experience of working hands-on with the project. Outside of the classroom he has brought students to Stanford to help him in his research by using a world-class laboratory.

Kim will also be sharing his knowledge on metal particles and arsenic to grade-school teachers by providing them with lessons on the subject for their students.

This is not Kim’s first grant from the National Science Foundation. In December 2006, he received a grant for $150,223 to upstart his research on this project and again, in May 2007. His largest grant yet will allow him to expand his research even more.

Kim also received a grant from the U.S. Geological Survey in June 2006 for mineral research.

Chapman allows him to do research at this high level, while also involving students, Kim said.

“It’s quite a testament that a faculty member at Chapman got this wonderful award when he comes from an institution that uses undergraduates,” said Janeen Hill, senior associate dean for the Schmid College of Science.

“He doesn’t dumb down his research for his undergrads,” she said.

John Stegemeier, a fifth year student with a chemistry degree, has had the opportunity to work with Kim.

“He’s probably the hippest science teacher here,” he said.

The lab wants more freshman and sophomore chemistry majors, Stegemeier said. Most of the students working in the lab are currently on their way to graduating or applying to graduate school.

Kim recently applied for another grant from the U.S. Department of Energy on Sept. 1.


Contact this reporter: ariela.kozin@thepantheronline.com