Leslie Kirkes
About Leslie Kirkes
Leslie Kirkes is a Geoscience Engineer at Sandia National Laboratories, with a background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and animal sciences.
Title
Leslie Kirkes serves as a Geoscience Engineer at Sandia National Laboratories. In this role, Kirkes designs and conducts research pertaining to colloid transportation studies, corrosion experiments, solubility studies, and pH correction measurements.
Education and Expertise
Leslie Kirkes holds a Master's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Lehigh University, obtained between 2009 and 2013. Prior to that, Kirkes achieved a Bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences from New Mexico State University, completing the program from 2003 to 2007. This educational background supports Kirkes' work in geoscience engineering and related fields.
Professional Background
Leslie Kirkes began a professional career at New Mexico State University, working as a Research Assistant from 2003 to 2007. Kirkes then moved to the Center of Excellence (CEHMM) where Kirkes served as a Research Scientist from 2007 to 2009. Following this, Kirkes worked at Sandia National Laboratories, initially as a Laboratory Manager from 2009 to 2013, and then transitioned to the role of Geoscience Engineer.
Role at Sandia National Laboratories
In their current role at Sandia National Laboratories, Leslie Kirkes designs and conducts critical research, including colloid transportation studies, corrosion experiments, solubility studies, and pH correction measurements. Kirkes also leads the Hydrology Field Team for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) well monitoring network, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of hydrological data.
Lead of Hydrology Field Team
Leslie Kirkes serves as the acting Hydrology Field Team Lead for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) well monitoring network. In this capacity, Kirkes oversees the monitoring and analysis of groundwater to ensure compliance with environmental safety standards.