Tom Darrah: Advancing Sustainable Energy and Environmental Health

Snapshot

Tom Darrah is a professor in the School of Earth Sciences at The Ohio State University and serves as the director of the Global Water Institute. His research focuses on the geological processes influencing fluid migration in the Earth’s crust and mantle, the development of geochemical techniques for unconventional energy exploration, and the application of isotope geochemistry to assess the environmental and health impacts of energy extraction.

Early Life and Education

Darrah earned his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester in 2009. His academic background laid the foundation for his extensive research in geochemistry and environmental health.

Career

Before joining Ohio State University in 2013, Darrah held various academic and research positions. At Ohio State, he has been instrumental in leading initiatives that bridge the gap between energy exploration and environmental sustainability. In 2019, he co-founded Koloma, a startup focused on extracting low-carbon hydrogen from natural underground deposits, aiming to revolutionize the clean energy sector.

Sustainability Highlights and Focus

Darrah’s work has significantly advanced sustainable energy and environmental health:

Geological Hydrogen Research: He is a leading expert on geological hydrogen, exploring its potential as a clean energy source.
Global Water Institute Leadership: As director, he integrates Ohio State’s capabilities to address complex water-related issues, including shortages, quality, and health.
Environmental Health Advocacy: His research evaluates the impacts of energy extraction on environmental health, promoting sustainable practices.

Looking Ahead

Darrah continues to lead innovative research and initiatives that aim to balance energy needs with environmental and health considerations. His ongoing efforts in geological hydrogen research and sustainable energy practices position him at the forefront of addressing global energy challenges.