Zechariah Kitzhaber
Postdoctoral Researcher - Optical Spectroscopy
Bio
Zechariah is Postdoctoral Researcher in the Isotope Applications Research Group of the Radioisotope Science and Technology Division working to develop Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) as an analytical tool for monitoring Molten Salt nuclear reactors (MSRs). His research goals include improving energy security through advancing nuclear technologies to promote national and global prosperity. He has experience in optics, spectroscopy, instrumentation, electronics, programming, and data processing. Zechariah grew up in Central Wisconsin and enjoys spending time outdoors, including rock climbing, hiking, and camping.
Professional Experience
Zechariah's research is currently focused on developing analytical capabilities with LIBS through collaborations with scientists across multiple Divisions and Directorates at ORNL. Recent projects include studying nutrient uptake in fungi (BSD), real-time monitoring of liquids (BSD, CSD), and determination of isotopes in molten salts. He has previous experience on large, multi-disciplinary team projects, including the development of a drone-mounted laser fluorometer for detecting algae and collecting water samples.
Awards
2024 Graduate Student Achievement Award
2023 Joseph W. Bouknight Teaching Award
2019 Peyton C. Teague Fellowship
Education
Zechariah earned his PhD in Analytical Chemistry in 2024 working with Dr. Micky Myrick at the University of South Carolina, and he received his BA in Chemistry in 2019 from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Professional Affiliations
Member of:
American Chemical Society
Coblentz Society
Society for Applied Spectroscopy
American Nuclear Society
Trademarks and Patents
1 patent pending
Publications
Other Publications
English, C. M.; Kitzhaber, Z. B.; Sanim, K. R.; Vitzilaios, N.; Hodgson, M. E.; Richardson, T. L.; Myrick, M. L. Filter Fluorometer Calibration without the Fluorometer. Applied Spectroscopy 2023.
Sanim, K. R.; English, C. M.; Kitzhaber, Z. B.; Kalaitzakis, M.; Vitzilaios, N.; Myrick, M. L.; Hodgson, M. E.; Richardson, T. L. Autonomous UAS-Based Water Fluorescence Mapping and Targeted Sampling. Journal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems 2023, 108 (2).
Kitzhaber, Z. B.; English, C. M.; Sanim, K. R.; Kalaitzakis, M.; Kosaraju, B.; Hodgson, M. E.; Vitzilaios, N.; Richardson, T. L.; Myrick, M. L. Fluorometer Control and Readout Using an Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense Board. Applied Spectroscopy 2022, 77 (2), 220–224.
English, C. M.; Kitzhaber, Z. B.; Sanim, K. R.; Kalaitzakis, M.; Kosaraju, B.; Pinckney, J. L.; Hodgson, M. E.; Vitzilaios, N. I.; Richardson, T. L.; Myrick, M. L. Chlorophyll Fluorometer for Intelligent Water Sampling by a Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (SUAS). Applied Spectroscopy 2022, 77 (1), 94–105.