Katherine Almquist

PhD Candidate in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences | Biogeochemistry & Carbon Removal Researcher

Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Research Expertise

sustainable agriculture, environmental science, geochemistry, carbon capture

About

My overall career goal lies in bridging the gaps between environmental science, biogeochemistry, policy, communication, and business. I aim to contribute to the growing body of research showing how AI can support this space in a productive way. 🪨💧🌾My specific interest lies in the nexus of carbon dioxide removal strategies, specifically the investigation of ERW (enhanced rock weathering), sustainable agriculture, soil science, and water protection. As a scientist and climate enthusiast, I am passionate about championing natural solutions to solving environmental problems, in a quest to ultimately help the Earth return to some form of equilibrium. As a former college athlete and tennis team captain, leading to multiple leadership awards including the ITA National Arthur Ash Leadership and Sportsmanship Award, I learned a host of valuable skills: problem-solving, unwavering focus, and determination drive everything I do, whether coming up with a new research plan or switching my strategy on the tennis court. For me, every challenge is an opportunity to gain knowledge and expand my idea of what is possible. Whether you are looking for expertise or a new connection, would love to get to know you!

Education

Northwestern University

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences / December, 2029 (anticipated)

Skidmore College

Bachelor of Arts - BA, Environmental Science / December, 2024

Skidmore College

Minors, Spanish | International Affairs / December, 2024

Oak Meadow

High School Diploma / December, 2020

Experience

Our World 2050

Youth Ambassador / August, 2025 — Present

Serve as a US Youth Ambassador for Our World 2050, giving voices to youth in the US in regards to sustainability in collaboration with global partners :)

US Youth Ambassador / August, 2025 — December

Member of a core global Youth Ambassador Team for the NGO Our World 2050, amplifying youth perspectives on sustainable futures.

CDRXIV

Affiliate Expert Screener / January, 2025 — Present

As someone deeply involved in carbon dioxide removal research with ties to multiple industry leaders, I serve as a volunteer to screen preprint papers to aid in the accessibility and transparency of this quickly evolving industry.

Volunteer Affiliate Expert Screener / January, 2025 — December

Volunteer screening preprint papers to improve accessibility and transparency in the carbon dioxide removal and sequestration industry.

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS & AQUATIC CENTER

Assistant Tennis Professional / September, 2024 — August, 2025

Aiding the primary coach in facilitating tennis lessons for adults and kids. Over 10+ years of playing USTA tournaments with 4 years at the collegiate level, culminating in wining the ITA Arthur Ashe Jr Leadership and Sportsmanship Award for Division 3 Women's Tennis in May 2024.

NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

Climate Program Office Communications Intern / April, 2024 — September, 2024

Skidmore College

Committee Member / September, 2022 — May, 2024

Leader of the DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) SAAC (Skidmore Athletic Advisory Committee) subcommittee. Determining how Skidmore Athletics can improve in this sector through working with executive athletics staff to make decisions about making athletics and facilitating spaces feel more inclusive.

Executive Committee Member / June, 2022 — May, 2024

Co-leader of the Skidmore (Single-Use Plastic Reduction) SUPR Initiative on campus at Skidmore College, looking to find ways to reduce single-use plastics on campus with manageable steps that create effective change. The project of interest this semester is a Beverage Initiative, determining how to reduce the use of plastic water bottles and increase awareness of the reusable options on campus.

Undergraduate Researcher / February, 2021 — May, 2024

Member of the Heterogenous Photochemistry project in the Navea Research Group connected to the Center for Aerosol Impacts on Chemistry of the Environment (CAISE). Skilled in conducting experiments and solving answers to complex research questions.

ESS Senior Thesis Researcher / September, 2023 — May, 2024

Conducted research demonstrating the use of inactive brewers yeast to remove lead from drinking water, funded by a Skidmore SEF grant.

Harvard University

Harvard Forest Ecology Research Intern / May, 2023 — August, 2023

Research intern at Harvard Forest, studying the impact of mycorrhizal fungi crowding on nutrient acquisition strategies. Gaining high-level experience in forest data collection, soil analysis, root microscopy, research analysis, and science communication.

Research Assistant - Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology / June, 2023 — August, 2023

Investigated mycorrhizal crowding patterns on soil nutrient acquisition and forest ecosystem dynamics through field, lab, and microscopy work.

Penn State University

Dradown Research Scholar / June, 2022 — August, 2022

Worked with research scholars to discuss and debate Drawdown Project solutions to climate change, collaborated with research students to present new information surrounding Drawdown solutions, and aided in a research project focused on engineering antenna transmitters to put on honeybees to track their flight patterns and determine the impact of climate change on their survival.

Research Assistant - Drawdown Scholars Program / June, 2022 — August, 2022

Researched Project Drawdown climate solutions and assisted in engineering antenna transmitters for honeybees.

Northwestern University

Biogeochemistry PhD Student / September, 2024 — December

Collecting and analyzing soil and water samples in collaboration with Silicate; isolating calcium for isotopic measurement via Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS).

NOAA Climate Program Office

Part-Time Communications Intern / April, 2024 — September, 2024

Conducted extensive literary research, co-interviewed senior scientists, and co-authored a Climate.gov article while engaging with senior CPO leadership.

Navea Lab, Skidmore College

Atmospheric Chemistry Research Assistant / January, 2021 — May, 2024

Investigated photosensitization foundations using FTIR spectrometry in partnership with CAICE.

Chikaming Township

Sustainability Intern / June, 2021 — August, 2021

Assisted in establishing a lakefront resiliency ordinance and advised on environmental sustainability recommendations.

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