Dr. Sebastian Behrens
Associate Professor
e-mail: [email protected]
Education
B.S., 1998, University of Bremen, Germany, Biology
M.S., 2000, University of Bremen, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Germany, Microbiology
Ph.D., 2003, University of Bremen, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Germany, Molecular Microbial Ecology
Experience
Postdoctoral research fellow, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, 2004-2008
Research associate (Asst. Professor), Center for Applied Geosciences, University of Tuebingen, Germany, 2008-2014
Dr. Sebastian Behrens is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering at the University of Minnesota, renowned for his expertise in microbial processes and environmental remediation. A key contributor to advancing biochar research and sustainable carbon management through MNBI, Dr. Behrens earned his Ph.D. in Microbial Ecology from the Max Planck Institute of Marine Microbiology in 2003, focusing on bacterial detection in environmental samples. His postdoctoral work at Stanford University delved into microbial bioremediation of chlorinated solvents, and his interest in biochar was solidified at the University of Tuebingen, Germany, where he explored its use as a soil amendment.
Currently, Dr. Behrens leads research on biochar's impact on nitrogen cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, soil fertility, organic waste composting, and the biodegradation of contaminants, supported by MnDrive Environment, LCCMR, and federal agencies. His projects target urban applications of biochar for soil and water remediation, wastewater treatment, and tackling microplastics and organofluorine pollution. A passionate advocate for Minnesota's emerging biochar industry, Dr. Behrens collaborates with Minnesota biochar initiative (MNBI) to drive innovative, sustainable solutions for carbon management.
Lab Members
Postdocs
Narges Hematimatin
Education:
B.S., 2008; M.S., 2012; Ph.D., 2019, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
Experience
Postdoctoral researcher, Slovak University of Agriculture in Slovakia, 2022-2023
Visiting researcher, Forestry and Wood Thechnology, Linnaeus University, Sweden, 2023-2024
Narges is a soil scientist with a PhD in Soil Chemistry and Fertility and extensive expertise in biochar, phosphorus, heavy metals, and plant production. She has significant experience in biochar application in the field, biochar characterization and urban biochar applications. Currently a postdoctoral associate at the University of Minnesota, her research has focused on urban benefits of biochar, carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling, utilizing biochar to enhance soil properties. Narges has conducted extensive field and laboratory studies as well as field and greenhouse experiments. She has also contributed to Minnesota biochar initiative (MNBI), including developing a statewide biochar survey and serving as a planning member for the 2025 North American Biochar Conference.
Ph.D. Students
Mariah Dorner
Mariah E. Dorner is an environmental engineer and researcher with expertise in wastewater treatment, microbiology, and biotechnology. She is currently a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where she investigates biochar's role in nitrogen removal and the fate of viral particles in activated sludge. With experience in plant pathology, microscopy analysis, and fermentation process optimization, Mariah has developed skills in experimental design, DNA/RNA sequencing, statistical analysis, and scientific communication. Her diverse background reflects a commitment to advancing environmental and biological research through innovative approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Tais Rosangela Correia Souza
Taís is a Ph.D. student in Environmental Engineering. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul in Brazil. Her research focuses on the biodegradation of fluorinated compounds by bacterial communities in activated sludge. Additionally, she investigates the potential of biochar to enhance conditions for biodegradation, contributing to the development of sustainable remediation strategies.
Alumni
| Name | Degree | Position | Current Position |
| Kipp Sande | MS, Civil Engineering | Graduate student | Environmental Consultant: Antea Group USA |
| Jovan Popovic | PhD, Environmental Engineer | Postdoc | Engineer at United States Navy |
| Zhe Du | PhD | Postdoc | |
| Julie Johnston | PhD, Environmental Engineering | Graduate student | Professor of Environmental Microbiology at Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nadine Hackshaw | PhD, Environmental Engineering | Graduate student | Environmental Scientist at Metropolitan Council, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA |
| Gloria Thomas | Graduate student | ||
| Michael Brown | Undergraduate student | ||
| Kade Kearney | Undergraduate student | ||
| Sameer Siddiq | Undergraduate student | ||
| Sami Kinunnen | Undergraduate student |
Join us!
Interested in joining the lab? Contact Sebastian at [email protected]