Steve Parker is an assistant professor of chemistry at Montana Tech and is also currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Montana. Steve has been partially supported in his thesis research work by Montana Tech’s International Program.

In March of 2004, Steve was in Argentina for two weeks.  His mentor from Montana Tech was also on this trip and the two of them completed several days of field work while there.  The data from these water sampling activities on the Rio Agrio will be a part of his Ph.D. thesis.  During that time, he also attended the “International Workshop on Geogenically Acidic Water Systems: Volcanic Waters, Mining Lakes and Rivers.  During a follow up trip he attended the sixth meeting of the International Association of Volcanology and the Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior committee on Volcanic Lakes.

Steve’s proposed title of his thesis is “Investigations into the Occurrence and Causes of Diel Changes in the Chemistry of Streams”.  He stated, “The Rio Agrio (Sour River) is derived from geothermal springs on the sides of the Copahue Volcano. The acidic water and high metals concentrations are similar to many mining impacted rivers in the American west. We have been studying this geogenic acid river to see what similarities and differences it has to acid mine drainage.”

While in Argentina, Steve toured several of the large Argentine national parks along the Andes in central Patagonia.  In which, he stated, “The scenery is spectacular.”

 He attended barbeques where the main course was roasted goat, and he climbed to the summit of the Copahue Volcano which is still considered active (last erupting in the year 2000).

In evaluating Montana Tech’s Thesis Abroad Program, Steve stated, “I am very pleased with the international travel program and hope that more students can have the opportunity to interact professionally and personally with students and scientists in other countries.”

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