Udo Fehn: Professor Emeritus
Where are you from?
Born and raised in Germany.
What got you interested in Earth and Environmental Sciences?
I received my PhD in physics from the Technical University of Munich, then worked at Harvard, developing numerical models for fluid flow through mid-ocean ridges. 1980 I joined the UR faculty of the then Department of Geological Sciences and helped start the Environmental Programs leading to the current name EES. My research was mainly based on the determination of cosmogenic isotopes using accelerator mass spectrometry, a method which had just recently been developed here at the Nuclear Structure Research Lab (NSRL). With my students and post-docs, we focused on applications of natural I-129, where we investigated (among other projects) the origin of fluids in subduction zone volcanoes and of methane in gas hydrates in marine sediments. We also documented the distribution of anthropogenic I-129, related to releases from nuclear activities.
What do you enjoy most about U of R?
As a relatively small research University, interactions with colleagues from other departments are necessary and encouraged by the UR. I enjoyed collaborations with biology, chemistry, and poltical science during the establishment of the Environmental Programs, had a Bridging Fellowship with physics to learn the tricks of the accelerator at NSRL and headed our part of the Geomechanics Program with mechnical engineering. Extended visits to Japan, New Zealand, Germany, or China also enriched my research as well as my life. I enjoyed the international flair at the UR and look with pride at the achievements of my former students and postdocs teaching and doing research at several universities here and in Japan.
What have you been doing since your retired?
Although I retired in 2010, I stayed involved in research for another five years or so, but also joined several volunteer organizations within and outside the UR. At the Friends of Eastman Opera, I served as president for four years and as board member of the Friends of UR Library (FURL) I helped to organize the Research Initiative Award to encourage students to get involved in research. Genesee Land Trust is another important organization for me following my interest in preserving land and nature in our area. I was on the board of directors and are still on several committees of that organization.
I look back with pleasure on my career in Geology in general and at the UR in particular. Obviously, departments change with time and, as I was proud to have initiated/participated in some of these changes, I am intrigued with the lively and promising directions to be seen in the current version of EES. My best wishes to all members of the department for success and pleasure in their research and teaching!