Jennifer Pett Ridge
About Jennifer Pett Ridge
Jennifer Pett Ridge is a Lead Scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, specializing in carbon initiatives and soil microbiology. She holds a Ph.D. in microbial ecology and has received several prestigious awards for her contributions to environmental science.
Work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Jennifer Pett Ridge has been employed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) since 2005. She currently serves as the Lead Scientist for the LLNL Carbon Initiative, Terraforming Soils EERC, and Microbes Persist SFA. In this role, she leads projects focused on carbon dioxide removal strategies and soil biogeochemistry. Previously, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at LLNL from 2005 to 2008. Her extensive experience at LLNL spans nearly two decades, contributing to various environmental microbiology initiatives.
Education and Expertise
Jennifer Pett Ridge earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Studies in the Environment from Yale University, completing her degree in 1994. She furthered her education at Yale School of the Environment, where she obtained a Master's degree in Forest Science. Her doctoral studies were conducted at the University of California, Berkeley, where she focused on microbial ecology and soil biogeochemistry, culminating in a Ph.D. from 2005. Her academic background supports her expertise in environmental microbiology and carbon management.
Achievements
Jennifer Pett Ridge has received several notable awards for her contributions to environmental science. In 2021, she was honored with the DOE Secretary of Energy Achievement Award. The following year, she received the DOE E.O. Lawrence Award in recognition of her significant scientific contributions. Additionally, she was awarded the Geochemical Society Endowed Biogeochemistry Medal in 2019. These accolades reflect her impact in the field of carbon management and soil biogeochemistry.
Research Initiatives and Leadership
As the lead for the DOE Roads to Removal analysis, Jennifer Pett Ridge oversees a comprehensive evaluation of carbon dioxide removal strategies at the county level across the United States. Her leadership in this initiative highlights her commitment to advancing understanding and implementation of effective carbon management practices. Furthermore, her role in the LLNL Carbon Initiative emphasizes her focus on innovative approaches to soil management and microbial interactions.
International Experience
Jennifer Pett Ridge served as a visiting scholar at the University of San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador. This experience allowed her to engage with international research communities and broaden her perspective on environmental issues. Her work in Ecuador complements her research focus and enhances her understanding of global environmental challenges.