Methane Removal Research Webinars

Methane removal approaches are being explored, in light of potential large-scale natural methane emissions increases, to determine if and how methane in the atmosphere can be broken down faster than with existing natural sinks alone. The methane removal field is in an early scientific research stage, and much more research is needed to determine the feasibility and safety of methane removal approaches.

Spark is hosting webinars covering research topics across methanotrophy, catalytic methane oxidation, and atmospheric science. Each webinar is hosted with experts in each area, covering the key challenges involved in researching potential atmospheric methane removal approaches.

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Key Challenges and Open Questions in Methanotrophy

Recorded January 9, 2024‍

Panel Speakers:

• ‍Dr. Mary Lidstrom, Professor emeritus of microbiology and chemical engineering at the University of Washington‍
• Dr. Paul Bodelier, Senior scientist at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology in Wageningen‍
• Dr. Vincent Gauci, Birmingham Professorial Fellow in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham

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Key Challenges and Open Questions in Catalytic Methane Oxidation

Recorded March 15, 2024‍

Panel Speakers:

• ​Dr. Adam Boies, Professor of Nanomaterials and Aerosol Engineering at the University of Cambridge
• ​​Dr. Matteo Cargnello, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Stanford University
• ​Richard Randall, 4th year PhD student at Stanford University co-advised by Dr. Rob Jackson and Dr. Arun Majumdar

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Key Challenges and Open Questions in Methane Oxidation by Atmospheric Radicals

Recorded April 25, 2024‍

Panel speakers: 

• ​Dr. Colm Sweeney, Associate Director of Science for NOAA's Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) and the Lead Scientist for GML's Aircraft program
• Dr. Julie Nicely, Assistant Research Scientist with the University of Maryland Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center and the Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics Laboratory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
• Dr. Thomas Röckmann, Chair and Professor of Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry at Utrecht University

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