“Mike as we fondly call him over at the CISI is a perfect Data Scientist, he is one of the greatest researchers I've had the opportunity to work and be mentored by. He understands both the business needs and what is needed to reach the goal, technically. The best part comes in when he is tasked with the technical requirements. I have yet to see a a task which Mike has not been able to accomplish. What really blows my mind is he is an expert in multiple fields - Energy, Programming, Databases (Both relational and distributed), Statistics and application development. All of these skills along with his terrific business acumen make him one of the best Data Scientists/Quantitative Researchers out there. ”
Michael Walsh
Somerville, Massachusetts, United States
997 followers
500+ connections
About
Solving the hardest problems in energy, food, water and climate is what motivates me. I…
Activity
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"Totally unprecedented." This week on Shift Key: how the Trump Administration is weaponizing criminal law to try to block climate policy. Don't miss…
"Totally unprecedented." This week on Shift Key: how the Trump Administration is weaponizing criminal law to try to block climate policy. Don't miss…
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Excited to help kick off this forum in PVD next week!
Excited to help kick off this forum in PVD next week!
Liked by Michael Walsh
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This may be the dream job for attorneys who want to shape the future of affordable clean heat.
This may be the dream job for attorneys who want to shape the future of affordable clean heat.
Shared by Michael Walsh
Experience
Education
Volunteer Experience
Publications
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Algal food and fuel coproduction can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while improving land and water-use efficiency
Environmental Research Letters
The goals of ensuring energy, water, food, and climate security can often conflict. Microalgae (algae) are being pursued as a feedstock for both food and fuels—primarily due to algae's high areal yield and ability to grow on non-arable land, thus avoiding common bioenergy-food tradeoffs. However, algal cultivation requires significant energy inputs that may limit potential emission reductions. We examine the tradeoffs associated with producing fuel and food from algae at the…
The goals of ensuring energy, water, food, and climate security can often conflict. Microalgae (algae) are being pursued as a feedstock for both food and fuels—primarily due to algae's high areal yield and ability to grow on non-arable land, thus avoiding common bioenergy-food tradeoffs. However, algal cultivation requires significant energy inputs that may limit potential emission reductions. We examine the tradeoffs associated with producing fuel and food from algae at the energy–food–water–climate nexus. We use the GCAM integrated assessment model to demonstrate that algal food production can promote reductions in land-use change emissions through the offset of conventional agriculture. However, fuel production, either via co-production of algal food and fuel or complete biomass conversion to fuel, is necessary to ensure long-term emission reductions, due to the high energy costs of cultivation. Cultivation of salt–water algae for food products may lead to substantial freshwater savings; but, nutrients for algae cultivation will need to be sourced from waste streams to ensure sustainability. By reducing the land demand of food production, while simultaneously enhancing food and energy security, algae can further enable the development of terrestrial bioenergy technologies including those utilizing carbon capture and storage. Our results demonstrate that large-scale algae research and commercialization efforts should focus on developing both food and energy products to achieve environmental goals.
Other authorsSee publication -
Cysteine Enhances Bioavailability of Copper to Marine Phytoplankton
Environmental Science & Technology
Emiliania huxleyi, a ubiquitous marine algae, was cultured under replete and Cu-limiting conditions to investigate Cu uptake strategies involving thiols and associated redox reactions; comparisons to a model diatom, Thalassiosira pseudonana, were also drawn. Cu-limitation increased rates of cell surface reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) in E. huxleyi but not in T. pseudonana. Furthermore, Cu-limited E. huxleyi cells took up more Cu when cysteine was present compared to when no ligand was added…
Emiliania huxleyi, a ubiquitous marine algae, was cultured under replete and Cu-limiting conditions to investigate Cu uptake strategies involving thiols and associated redox reactions; comparisons to a model diatom, Thalassiosira pseudonana, were also drawn. Cu-limitation increased rates of cell surface reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) in E. huxleyi but not in T. pseudonana. Furthermore, Cu-limited E. huxleyi cells took up more Cu when cysteine was present compared to when no ligand was added, although a dependence on cysteine concentration was not observed. In contrast, Cu uptake by replete cells was dependent upon the relative abundance of inorganic species [Cu(I)′]. We also show that cysteine can increase the bioavailability of Cu to Cu-limited cells, of both species, through the reductive release of Cu(I) from fairly strong Cu(II) ligands such as EDTA. Finally, support for a mechanism involving uptake of a Cys–Cu complex in E. huxleyi is drawn from the observation that Cu-limitation significantly enhances cysteine uptake by transporters that exhibit Michaelis–Menten kinetics. These Cu uptake strategies help explain the presence and distribution of dissolved thiols in surface seawater and have implications for the biogeochemical cycling of Cu in low Cu environments.
Other authorsSee publication -
Algal biofuel production for fuels and feed in a 100-ha facility: A comprehensive techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment
Algal Research
This techno-economic analysis/life-cycle assessment is based on actual production by the Cornell Marine Algal Biofuels Consortium with biomass productivity > 23 g/m2-day. Ten distinct cases are presented for two locations, Texas and Hawaii, based on a 100-ha production facility with end-to-end processing that yields fungible co-products including biocrude, animal feed, and ethanol. Several processing technologies were evaluated: centrifugation and solvent extraction (POS Biosciences)…
This techno-economic analysis/life-cycle assessment is based on actual production by the Cornell Marine Algal Biofuels Consortium with biomass productivity > 23 g/m2-day. Ten distinct cases are presented for two locations, Texas and Hawaii, based on a 100-ha production facility with end-to-end processing that yields fungible co-products including biocrude, animal feed, and ethanol. Several processing technologies were evaluated: centrifugation and solvent extraction (POS Biosciences), thermochemical conversion (Valicor), hydrothermal liquefaction (PNNL), catalytic hydrothermal gasification (Genifuel), combined heat and power, wet extraction (OpenAlgae), and fermentation. The facility design was optimized by co-location with waste CO2, a terraced design for gravity flow, using renewable energy, and low cost materials. The case studies are used to determine the impact of design choices on the energy return on investment, minimum fuel and feed sale prices, discounted payback period, as well as water depletion potential, human health, ecosystem quality, non-renewable resources, and climate change environmental indicators. The most promising cases would be economically competitive at market prices around $2/L for crude oil, while also providing major environmental benefits and freshwater savings. As global demands for fuels and protein continue rising, these results are important steps towards economical and environmentally sustainable production at an industrial scale.
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Copper export contributes to low copper levels and copper tolerance in Emiliania huxleyi
Limnology & Oceanography
ABSTRACT: Previous studies have documented that the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi maintains lower cellular copper concentrations and is more tolerant to high copper than are many other species of marine algae. We confirm that in comparison to the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana, E. huxleyi maintains substantially lower Cu levels while maintaining near maximal growth rates. Using the stable isotope 65Cu as a tracer, we show that a constitutive or rapidly induced mechanism for Cu efflux is…
ABSTRACT: Previous studies have documented that the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi maintains lower cellular copper concentrations and is more tolerant to high copper than are many other species of marine algae. We confirm that in comparison to the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana, E. huxleyi maintains substantially lower Cu levels while maintaining near maximal growth rates. Using the stable isotope 65Cu as a tracer, we show that a constitutive or rapidly induced mechanism for Cu efflux is present in Cu-replete E. huxleyi cells. This was revealed during uptake experiments in which the accumulation of the isotopically enriched spike, as measured by the isotope fractionation, exceeded the total accumulated copper. Evidence of efflux was not observed during Cu uptake in T. pseudonana cells. In contrast, copper-limited E. huxleyi cells exhibited no observable efflux during uptake over the same time period, though net uptake rates were similar to replete cells, suggesting that efflux is modulated by cellular copper needs. This Cu-efflux mechanism is effective over a wide range of Cu concentrations, as E. huxleyi is able to maintain much lower cellular Cu levels than T. pseudonana during 4 h uptake experiments. Direct measurement of export from copper-loaded cells provided further evidence of a very effective efflux mechanism in E. huxleyi, while loss of copper from T. pseudonana was considerably less. Improvements to cell washes to remove surface-bound Cu were implemented.
Other authorsSee publication -
Determination of Stability Constants of Cu(I), Cd(II) & Zn(II) Complexes with Thiols Using Fluorescent Probes
Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry
Fluorometric competing-ligand titrations were used to measure stability constants of Zn(II), Cd(II) and Cu(I) complexes of cysteine and glutathione (GSH). Cu(I)-stability constants were also determined for the dipeptides Arg-Cys and Gln-Cys which are produced by a marine alga under copper stress. The fluorescent ion indicators FluoZin-1 and BTC (Invitrogen) were used as competing ligands in titrations involving Zn(II) and Cd(II). Phen Green SK (Invitrogen) was likewise used in Cu(I) titrations.…
Fluorometric competing-ligand titrations were used to measure stability constants of Zn(II), Cd(II) and Cu(I) complexes of cysteine and glutathione (GSH). Cu(I)-stability constants were also determined for the dipeptides Arg-Cys and Gln-Cys which are produced by a marine alga under copper stress. The fluorescent ion indicators FluoZin-1 and BTC (Invitrogen) were used as competing ligands in titrations involving Zn(II) and Cd(II). Phen Green SK (Invitrogen) was likewise used in Cu(I) titrations. Conditional and cumulative general stability constants were determined using a least squares fit of the titration data to speciation models. The measured stability constants of Cd(II) and Zn(II) complexes were consistent with previous work, validating our method and assumptions. Our results also include the first general stability constants for Cu(I)-cysteine complexes and an alternative set for Cu(I)-GSH complexes. While these stability constants indicate that Cu(I) forms strong complexes with thiols, they are not strong enough to effectively buffer Cu(I) in seawater.
Other authorsSee publication -
Nutrient availability alters levels of non-translationally synthesized nitrogen-rich dipeptides in Emiliania huxleyi
Aquatic Biology
ABSTRACT: The coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi synthesizes the N-rich dipeptides glutamine-cysteine (gln-cys) and arginine-cysteine (arg-cys) in response to metal stress, but it is unknown how these compounds are synthesized and whether these dipeptides may also be involved in N assimilation or N storage. Accumulation of dipeptides and other reduced thiols was much greater in P-limited than N-limited batch cultures, and levels of dipeptide and cysteine were higher in an open-ocean strain…
ABSTRACT: The coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi synthesizes the N-rich dipeptides glutamine-cysteine (gln-cys) and arginine-cysteine (arg-cys) in response to metal stress, but it is unknown how these compounds are synthesized and whether these dipeptides may also be involved in N assimilation or N storage. Accumulation of dipeptides and other reduced thiols was much greater in P-limited than N-limited batch cultures, and levels of dipeptide and cysteine were higher in an open-ocean strain compared to a coastal isolate. A comparison of dipeptide concentration to total N, protein, and amino acid content of N- and P-limited batch cultures of both strains was used to yield clues about strain-specific differences in nitrogen storage. Both gln-cys and arg-cys quickly accumulated following the addition of nitrate or ammonium to N-limited batch cultures. Accumulation of dipeptides was not suppressed by the ribosomal inhibitor cycloheximide, except at the earliest time point following ammonium addition, and, after 24 h, the inhibitor had either no effect on intracellular concentrations or instead enhanced accumulation. Results suggest that accumulation of dipeptides does not require de novo synthesis of protein and that an enzymatic pathway is responsible for synthesis. Rapid degradation of intracellular gln-cys and arg-cys was observed following the addition of phosphate to P‑limited batch cultures. Possible synthetic pathways and ties to N metabolism are discussed.
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Reflections on COP-16 and the Outlook for Colleges and Universities
Second Nature
A review of the 2011 UN Climate Change Conference and its implications for institutions of higher education.
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Recharging University Sustainability Efforts
Cornell Daily Sun
A review and outlook of various sustainability initiatives at Cornell.
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Maintaining a Commitment to Sustainability
http://cornellsun.com/section/opinion/content/2009/02/19/maintaining-commitment-sustainability
Valuing carbon in higher education.
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Approaches for analyzing local carbon mitigation strategies: Tompkins County, New York, USA
International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control
Abstract
A carbon budget was calculated for Tompkins County, NY, a semi-rural upstate county with a population density of 78 pp/km2. The costs and potential for several carbon mitigation options were analyzed in four categories: terrestrial C sequestration, local power generation, transportation, and energy end-use efficiency. This study outlines a methodology for conducting this type of local-scale analysis, including sources and calculations adaptable to different localities. Effective…Abstract
A carbon budget was calculated for Tompkins County, NY, a semi-rural upstate county with a population density of 78 pp/km2. The costs and potential for several carbon mitigation options were analyzed in four categories: terrestrial C sequestration, local power generation, transportation, and energy end-use efficiency. This study outlines a methodology for conducting this type of local-scale analysis, including sources and calculations adaptable to different localities. Effective carbon mitigation strategies for this county based on costs/Mg C and maximum potential include reforestation of abandoned agricultural lands, biomass production for residential heating and co-firing in coal power plants, changes in personal behavior related to transportation (e.g., public transportation), installation of residential energy efficient products such as programmable thermostats or compact fluorescent light bulbs, and development of local wind power. The total county emissions are about 340 Gg C/year, with biomass sequestration rates of 121 Gg C/year. The potential for mitigation, assuming full market penetration, amounts to about 234 Gg C/year (69%), with 100 Gg C/year (29%) at no net cost to the consumer. The development of local-scale C mitigation plans based on this sort of model of analysis is feasible and would be useful for guiding investments in climate change prevention.Other authors -
Courses
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A Passage to India: India and the Western Imagination
Religion 117f
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Analysis of Biogeochemical Systems
EAS 641
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Aquatic Ecosystem Interactions
NTRES 694
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Biochemistry
Biochemistry 367f
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Bioinorganic Chemistry
CHEM 440
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CO2 Mitigation Workshop
BIOEE 763
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Environmental Chemistry
Chemistry 217s
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Environmental Law
Env. Studies 237j
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Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Economics 312
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Evolution and Diversity
Biology 164s
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Fluid Mechanics
CEE 331
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Foundations of Physics
Physics 142s
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French I
French 125f
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French II
French 126f
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French III
French 126f
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Geochemistry
EAS 455
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Groundwater Hydrology
Geology 353s
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Inorganic Chemistry
Chemistry 411f
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Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
Chemistry 413f
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Instrumental Methods of Analysis
Chemistry 411s
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Introduction to Matlab
EAS 121
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Isotopic and Trace Element Analysis
CHEM 628
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Organic Chemistry
Chemistry 242s
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Physical Chemistry
Chemistry 341f
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Physical Chemistry
Chemistry 342s
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Principles of Biogeochemistry
BIOEE 668
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Principles of Microeconomics
Economics 133s
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Science Communication Workshop
BIOEE 771
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Sikhism: Scripture, Sacred Music & Art
Religion 317f
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Sustainable Bio-based Industries
BEE 687
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United States Senate Simulation
Government 213j
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Water Chemistry for Environmental Engineers
CEE 653
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Watershed Management
BEE 754
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Western Spirituality
Religion 332s
Honors & Awards
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Innovation in Teaching Award
Bentley University
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Emerging Public Policy Leader Award Honorable Mention
American Institute of Biological Sciences
This award is given by the the American Institute of Biological Sciences recognize graduate students who have demonstrated an interest and leadership in science policy.
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K. G. Kaul Memorial Scholarship
New York Water Environment Association
This scholarship is given to graduate student in the environmental sciences who show a commitment to public service.
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Distinguished Student Volunteer Award
Cornell University
Languages
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English
Native or bilingual proficiency
Organizations
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Algae Biomass Organization
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Recommendations received
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“It’s a clear win in that regard, because the 9th Circuit decision has had a really chilling effect on local governments,” said Amy Turner, director…
“It’s a clear win in that regard, because the 9th Circuit decision has had a really chilling effect on local governments,” said Amy Turner, director…
Liked by Michael Walsh
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Last Friday was my last day at New York State's Department of Public Service. I've never loved a job more. For two years, I was part of a great team…
Last Friday was my last day at New York State's Department of Public Service. I've never loved a job more. For two years, I was part of a great team…
Liked by Michael Walsh
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I’m excited to have been promoted to Full Professor at Duke University! The eighteen year journey from starting graduate school at Cornell to…
I’m excited to have been promoted to Full Professor at Duke University! The eighteen year journey from starting graduate school at Cornell to…
Liked by Michael Walsh
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⚡ Today marks my last day at the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) after five years of rewarding work on building decarbonization and utility…
⚡ Today marks my last day at the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) after five years of rewarding work on building decarbonization and utility…
Liked by Michael Walsh
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I was fortunate to be involved in the forward-leaning energy design of this campus in 2010, when we submitted the winning proposal for Mayor…
I was fortunate to be involved in the forward-leaning energy design of this campus in 2010, when we submitted the winning proposal for Mayor…
Liked by Michael Walsh
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I’m thrilled to share that I've joined the McKnight Foundation and the Midwest Climate & Energy team. I look forward to working alongside partners to…
I’m thrilled to share that I've joined the McKnight Foundation and the Midwest Climate & Energy team. I look forward to working alongside partners to…
Liked by Michael Walsh
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Compared to when I bought the fourplex I live in in 2008, I've decreased the total energy ~65% and the emissions ~95%! I made this graph in R using…
Compared to when I bought the fourplex I live in in 2008, I've decreased the total energy ~65% and the emissions ~95%! I made this graph in R using…
Liked by Michael Walsh
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New by me in Heatmap News: Among all the other damage they've done, Los Angeles' fires have drastically accelerated a looming financial crisis facing…
New by me in Heatmap News: Among all the other damage they've done, Los Angeles' fires have drastically accelerated a looming financial crisis facing…
Liked by Michael Walsh
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I was honored to attend the Governor's release of the Statewide Housing Plan today. Our team at the UMass Donahue Institute, Metropolitan Area…
I was honored to attend the Governor's release of the Statewide Housing Plan today. Our team at the UMass Donahue Institute, Metropolitan Area…
Liked by Michael Walsh
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I'm excited to officially announce that MassCEC is offering a no-cost service designed to connect City of Lowell and City of Springfield…
I'm excited to officially announce that MassCEC is offering a no-cost service designed to connect City of Lowell and City of Springfield…
Liked by Michael Walsh
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I am starting this week with a heart full of gratitude after what, by all accounts, was a tremendously successful #Connect351 put on by my amazing…
I am starting this week with a heart full of gratitude after what, by all accounts, was a tremendously successful #Connect351 put on by my amazing…
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