About the Laboratory
The Earth & Environmental Materials Laboratory (E&EM Lab)
The Earth & Environmental Materials Laboratory (E&EM Lab) focuses on understanding the fundamental processes that govern the behavior of materials in the Earth’s surface and near-surface environments.
Our research explores environmental and geological systems across a wide range of spatial scales—from field observations to nanoscale and atomic-resolution analysis. By integrating environmental geochemistry, geomicrobiology, and advanced materials characterization, we aim to uncover the mechanisms that control the formation, transformation, and fate of minerals, particles, and radiological materials.
Our Mission
Our mission is to link atomic-scale processes to environmental and geological systems, contributing to a deeper understanding of the Earth and supporting the development of a sustainable society.
We address key challenges such as environmental contamination, nuclear waste management, and the sustainable use of critical minerals, by combining fundamental science with real-world applications.
Our Approach
We integrate field observations, laboratory experiments, and advanced analytical techniques to understand environmental processes from the atomic to the macroscopic scale.
Field studies in natural environments
We study natural environments to observe real-world geochemical and environmental processes in action.
Laboratory experiments under controlled conditions
Laboratory experiments allow us to isolate variables and quantify reactions under well-defined conditions.
Advanced analytical techniques
Using techniques such as electron microscopy and spectroscopy, we analyze materials at the nano- to atomic scale.
Principal Investigator
Satoshi Utsunomiya
Professor, National Taiwan University
His research focuses on environmental geochemistry, radiological materials, and nanoscale characterization of Earth materials, with particular interest in radioactive particles, nuclear waste management, and critical minerals.
