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Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

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Faculty Profile

Qi FuQi Fu

Associate Professor of Organic Geochemistry, Stable Isotope Geochemistry

Office: Science & Research 1, 328B (Office Hours: T | 2 – 3 PM)
Contact: qfu3@uh.edu - 713-743-3660

Education: Ph.D., 2006, Geology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN
M.S., 1997, Earth Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
B.S., 1994, Earth Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China



Experimental Organic Geochemistry Laboratory

Accepting Graduate Students? Yes

My research interests are in organic geochemistry, with a focus on understanding the origin and fate of organic compounds in geological and environmental processes. By integrating laboratory experiments and field observations with an array of advanced analytical techniques (chemical and isotopic characterization, in particular), the ultimate goal is to advance our knowledge on the evolution of organic compounds and their roles in past climates, biogeochemical cycles, and energy resources. 

Current projects include:

1. Participant of science party and post-expedition activity. 

2. Experimental investigations of Ca- and Mg-rich carbonates formation and their isotope fractionations: Implications for past environments on Mars. Funded by UH GEAR program.

3. Natural hydrogen: A hydrothermal experimental and analytical study of ultramafic rocks to simulate and understand processes for optimal rock-based hydrogen production. Funded by energy industry.

4. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Edwards aquifer in south central Texas. In collaborations with UTSA.

5. Funded by NSF and UH.

Teaching

  • GEOL 1330 Physical Geology
  • GEOL 3370 Mineralogy
  • GEOL 6343 Organic Geochemistry

This course is designed to provide students with basic knowledge of origin, properties, and fate of organic compounds at molecular levels in sedimentary basins, and selected analytical techniques used for their identification and characterization. Topics include: classification and reaction principles of organic molecules, origin and transformation of organic compounds in sedimentary processes, kerogen and biomarkers in petroleum generation, geochemistry of coal, interactions between organic and inorganic compounds, and analytical techniques (GC, GC/LC-MS, and GC-IRMS) with their application in geological processes. Students will get hands-on operation experience with each analytical technique. Case studies and recent development of knowledge will also be covered.

  • GEOL 6344 Light Stable Isotope Geochemistry

This course introduces basic concepts and principles in stable isotope geochemistry, and examines the application of stable isotopes in a variety of geological processes. Topics include: basic concepts and theoretical principles of stable isotopes (fractionation factors, mechanisms of isotopic exchange, etc.), and light stable isotope systematics, including C, O, H, S, and N, in igneous and metamorphic processes, hydrothermal systems, biogeochemical processes, and extraterrestrial materials.

* Student under supervision

  • Sanfilippo A., Pandey A., Akizawa N., Poulaki E., Cunningham E., Bickert M., Lei C., Vannucchi P., Estes E. R., Malinverno A., Abe N., Di Stefano A., Filina I. Y., Fu Q., Gontharet S. B. L., Kearns L. E., Koorapati R. K., Loreto M. F., Magri L., Menapace W., Pavlovics V. L., Pezard P. A., Rodriguez-Pilco M. A., Shuck B. D., Zhao X., Garrido C., Brunelli D., Morishita T., Zitellini N. (2025) Heterogeneous Earth’s mantle drilled at an embryonic ocean. Nature Communications 16, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57121-0.
  • Zitellini N., Malinverno A., Estes E.R., and the Expedition 402 Scientists (2025) Proceedings of the International Ocean Discovery Program: Tyrrhenian Continent–Ocean Transition. International Ocean Discovery Program. Volume 402. https://doi.org/10.14379/iodp.proc.402.2025.
  • Malinverno A., Zitellini N., Estes E.R., and the Expedition 402 Scientists (2025) International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 402 Preliminary Report. Tyrrhenian Continent–Ocean Transition: Tyrrhenian Magmatism and Mantle Exhumation (TIME). International Ocean Discovery Program. https://doi.org/10.14379/iodp.pr.402.2025.
  • Vielma A., Curiale J.A., Carvajal-Ortiz H., Radović J.R., Fu Q., Malloy T.B., Bissada K.K. (2024) Paleoredox and lithofacies assessments in Deepwater intervals of the Monterey Formation, Santa Maria Basin, California: Insights from organic sulfur geochemistry. International Journal of Coal Geology 294, 104606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coal.2024.104606.
  • Liu Q., Xu H., Jin Z., Zhu D., Meng Q., Wu X., Fu Q., and George S. C. (2023) Hydrothermal conversion of hydrocarbons to heterocyclic compounds by geological supercritical CO2 volatiles. Science Bulletin 68, 1726–1729. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2023.07.013.
  • Ong C.*, Fowler A., Seyfried W. E., Jr., Sun T., and Fu Q. (2021) Organic compounds in vent fluids from Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming. Organic Geochemistry 159, 104275.
  • Xu H., Liu Q., Zhu D., Meng Q., Jin Z., Fu Q., and George S. C. (2021) Hydrothermal catalytic conversion and metastable equilibrium of organic compounds in the Jinding Zn/Pb ore deposit. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 307, 133-150.
  • Liu Q., Li P., Jin Z., Liang X., Zhu D., Wu X., Meng Q., Liu J., Fu Q., and Zhao J. (2021) Preservation of organic matter in shale linked to bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) and volcanic activity under marine and lacustrine depositional environments. Marine and Petroleum Geology 127, 104950.
  • Li J., Huang X.-L., Fu Q., and Li W.-X. (2021) Tungsten mineralization during the evolution of a magmatic-hydrothermal system: Mineralogical evidence from the Xihuashan rare-metal granite in South China. American Mineralogist 106, 443-460.