Dr. Laura Ruhl, an assistant professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, is recognized nationally as a multidisciplinary scientist who uses field and laboratory methods to solve challenges created by the societal impacts of mining, urban anthropogenic activities, and coal combustion residuals on the environment.
Ruhl’s projects have contributed to the expansion of knowledge in the field of environmental geochemistry. Her works have appeared in highly respected journals such as Environmental Science and Technology and Applied Geochemistry.
She has successfully trained student scholars from high school to the graduate level, resulting in 19 co-authored published abstracts and presentations at national and international meetings, two undergraduate student co-authored externally funded grant proposals, and three UA Little Rock Signature Experience Awards for undergraduate research.
She is sought after to fill leadership roles in professional societies and served as a journal editor, manuscript reviewer, and grant proposal reviewer. She is a nationally recognized expert on coal waste products, as evidenced by invited presentations to the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and President’s Council on Environmental Quality.
Ruhl introduced a service-learning project where students apply what they learn about hydrogeology in class to solve real-world problems while acquiring marketable professional communication skills. Her work with students and Audubon Arkansas is yet another example of the tangible impact of her expertise on improving water resources in Arkansas.
Ruhl received a Ph.D. in Earth and Ocean Sciences from Duke University, a M.S. in Geological Sciences from the University of Florida, and a B.S. in Geological Sciences from the University of Florida.