My research this year, much like l999, has focused upon the application of the mineralogical approaches to the eradication of materials of environmental concern. I have worked closely with the Indiana University Advanced Research and Technology Institute (ARTI) in Bloomington. ARTI and I have hopes for the marketing of the hazwaste patents. Currently, a marketing study is underway to bundle my technologies together along some other patents help by IU for the removal of hazardous organic chemicals from soils. It is hoped that this new marketing strategy will be successful in breaching the marketplace.

After a number of iterations, technical responses, and affidavits with the US patent office, I was granted, “Conversion of Lead-Contaminated Soil into Ceramic Products,” U.S. Patent 5,779,949. Currently, I am in the process of negotiating with two possible companies for the potential development and licensing of this process.

Research for the development of the products of the asbestos process (THERMAS) and a new patent covering a disposal method for asbestos is in progress. However, interest in the asbestos processes has been put on the back burner (temporarily, I hope) because of generally low commercial interest.. Research time too is a great factor because I am finding myself increasing spread too thin from the combined weight of all my together teaching, service and other research projects.

Currently, I am still pursuing a two-fold direction to my research. I will elaborate upon each of these areas in more detail.

First, and most importantly, I have continued to pursue research dealing with the application of mineralogical approaches to the eradication of materials of environmental concern. For the past six years, this has been the major emphasis of my work. Along this line

I am still one of the major patent holders (in terms of numbers) for the IU system, but most especially the regional campus’s. I am one of the very few patent holders on any of the IU regional campus. All other patents are either out of Bloomington, IUPUI, or the IU Medical School. Along this line in addition to the latest patent being issued, I have two current patens/process in the research and development phases. Patent or invention disclosures for both of these are currently on file with the Indiana University Advanced Research and Technology Institute (formerly Technology Transfer Office).

The steps involved in the process of research Y patent Y successful market are complex, time consuming, and filled with multiple pitfalls. To further the committees understanding, I will explain the chronologic sequence of events that led to the latest patent “Conversion of Lead-Contaminated Soil into Ceramic Products,” U.S. Patent 5,779,949. This patent was issued during the summer of 1999. However, the development of the patent started five years ago in the summer of 1994. The invention disclosure was submitted to the Office of Technology Transfer in June 1994. For two years, the research necessary to file the application and demonstrate the exclusivity, uniqueness, and patentability of the idea was pursued. Additionally, a review and position opinion was secured through the university patent attorney. This simply is a background search and attempt to determine the uniqueness of the patent and to determine if the idea has some degree of success possible. The original patent application was filed with the U. S. Patent office in August of 1996. As is almost always the case, the patent examiner has a list of objections, questions, clarifications, or expansions of ideas required. This then must be reviewed and submitted through the university patent attorney back to the examiner. This step generally requires several months turn around time. Often, this stage of the patenting process requires the researcher to reevaluate data or closely examine some aspect of the process. After additional research, clarification, and/or data is submitted, the patent package again goes back to the examiner in Washington, D.C. If all goes well, and the examiner can find no infringement on existing state of the art or the patent appears top any major errors in claims or process, a patent can be issued. In comparison, the time, effort, and level of work involved in the issuing of a patent involves far more work and effort than a publication. It should be more comparably compared to a book or major research project. The peer review process for the issuance of a U.S. Patent is one of the most stringent and difficult review processes around, perhaps only surpassed by the FDA review of new drugs. Patents issue at a general rate of about 10%, for academic institutions and major corporations the number is higher reaching approximately 40 -50%. This higher rate can be attributed to better research techniques and availability of legal support. Another major stumbling block for many to over come is the financial burden. It can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 to complete all of the steps for a U.S. patent. Foreign (generally broken into European and Asian markets) patents can cost up to $100,000. Patent seekers must be very sure of returns to secure foreign patent rights.

Secondly, because of my background in the energy industry and the relationship of my work to traditional geology, I have pursued selected research directed toward traditional geological research including the mineralogy, geology, and geochemistry of oil shale and the processing of synthetic fuels. Related to this geological research, I have pursued work that was directed toward gaining a greater understanding of the geological materials that are known to contain fossil energy sources and the processes by which the petroleum is extracted. In regards to this line of research I have had accepted for a special Geological Society of America symposium in Denver Colorado in the Fall of 2002 a paper entitled, “Fossil Bacteria from the Green River Formation of Wyoming: Implications for Mineral Precipitation,” I have continued work on this project and have made several exciting new discoveries of fossil bacteria.

In some geographic research, Mr. Sidney King an IUS student published a paper entitled, “The Geographic Distribution of Various Subspecies of Cutthroat Trout in Western Wyoming,” in the IUS Research Review (edited by Dr. Sam Sloss). Involving students in undergraduate research has been a very important, yet time consuming part of my teaching and research program at IUS. One of the principal problems with research at undergraduate institution involves the lack of laboratory equipment, facilities, and samples. Through a combination of grant money and obtaining support from the colleagues and administrators, up-to-date research tools open up exciting new possibilities. In virtually every semester for the last four years, I have been involved with an undergraduate research project. Although all of these projects are currently in progress, and have been assigned different levels of priority, they will all be completed when time allows.

In summary, I am actively pursuing a great number of exciting research directions. I have active research in many areas. I have a desire and drive for knowledge and discovery that is practically insatiable. Although teaching and service responsibilities present their own set of limiting factors, I still find time pursue all of my research interests. Since becoming interested in geology as a small child, I have been continuously involved in some aspect of the science, from rock collections to patents. My fascination with the earth, its past, present, and future continue to be a driving force of my life. There is no lack for potential research and creative contributions possible at IUS. The only limitations seem to be those that we place upon ourselves.