Microbially induced mineral precipitation is a fundamentally important phenomenon in natural and engineered environments. For example, microbially mediated carbonate mineral formation and dissolution account for an important part of the global carbon cycle and have the potential to bind large amounts of carbon dioxide. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation has also been proposed for a number of engineered applications including but not limited to protection of construction materials, soil stabilization, and environmental remediation. Due to their complex nature however, sufficient understanding and control of these processes remain a challenge. The rate and extent of mineral formation is influenced by the interaction of biological, chemical, geological, and hydrological processes. Biofilms and attached microorganisms have been shown to play a significant role in these processes.  

The workshop will be held at the Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana.  Participants including experts in both experiment and modeling will discuss the current state of knowledge and concepts in this field.  

We expect that some financial assistance for participants will be available. Please contact Tianyu Zhang for details—(406) 994-3919 or zhang@math.montana.edu

View draft agenda (pdf)

committee

Organizing Committee 

Al Cunningham, Robin Gerlach, Isaac Klapper, Tianyu Zhang
Montana State University

Confirmed Speakers

Benito Chen, University of Texas at Arlington
Yohan Davit, Oxford University, UK
Bruce Fouke, University of Illinois
Markus Hilpert, Johns Hopkins  University
Andy Mitchell, Aberystwyth University, UK
Cristian Picioreanu, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
Marcel Schaap, University of Arizona
Tim Scheibe, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Qi Wang, University of South Carolina 
Dorthe Wildenschild, Oregon State University

Sponsors

NSF—Collaboration in Mathematical Geosciences (CMG)
Center for Biofilm Engineering (CBE) 

Optional Sessions

Breakout session: Biofilm modeling, Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Join us for a half-day, optional breakout session on biofilm modeling on Tuesday, August 7th. Instructors: Cristian Piciorneau, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands; Issac Klapper and Tianyu Zhang, Montana State University

Tour to Yellowstone National Park, Friday, August 10, 2012

Bruce Fouke, professor in geology and biology, and director of the Institute for Genomic Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will be conducting a tour into the Mammoth Hot Springs of Yellowstone National Park. The tour, “Biotic and abiotic influences on travertine formation at Mammoth Hot Springs,” is derived from Dr. Fouke's 2011 publication in Sedimentology58(1):170-219. The group will stop for lunch at Mammoth Hot Springs. View Dr. Fouke's publication at the Wiley Online Library

Evening Dinner

The workshop organizers are hosting a casual dinner on Wednesday, August 8th at the Beall Park Arts Center, a local favorite. Enjoy mingling with colleagues over a locally-flavored meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

Lodging 

The deadline for receiving discounted rooms at our contracted hotel was July 9th. Rooms may still be available at a rate of $129 per night (plus 7% tax and $1). Please contact Homewood Suites directly at (406) 587-8180. To receive the $129 rate, mention MSU, Center for Biofilm Engineering. The Homewood Suites offer the following complimentary amenities:

  • Airport shuttle
  • Campus and downtown Bozeman shuttle
  • Deluxe continental breakfast
  • Light meal in the evening 
  • Wireless access
  • Fitness room

Workshop Registration

Registration is currently closed.

We look forward to seeing you in Bozeman.