Case Summary:

“[The client’s] important research discoveries continue to advance the work of researchers across the field, and she is undoubtedly one of the most innovative scholars studying the dissolution mechanisms of soil minerals. [The client] has advanced the current iron biogeochemistry knowledge by elucidating the electron mobility of partially-reduced iron oxide surfaces and Fe(II) surface complexes. This is important because the dissolution of iron oxide is vital to both plant and microbe health as well as the mobility of trace metal contaminants. By understanding the reactivity of iron oxides, researchers are able to improve understanding of soil biogeochemistry, water purification techniques and agricultural productivity.”

The above statement is a part of a longer letter of support written by an expert for one of our National Interest Waiver clients from South Korea. Armed with a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences, she was employed as a postdoctoral fellow when she approached our firm for her application. Our team, having made certain of her credentials, began building her petition with information collected from her documents. Some of the data we used were:

• As an expert in natural sciences, her proposed endeavor was to research developing novel techniques that combine wet chemistry and solid characterization in order to enhance soil health and improve water quality, and establish more sustainable carbon sequestration techniques for the reduction of global carbon emissions.
• Her research was of evident importance because it safeguards the environment for future generations. In 2021, the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council declared that having access to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a human right.
• Similarly, her proposed endeavor also has broad implications for the United States. According to the U.S. Water Alliance (USWA), more than 44 million people in the U.S. rely on water systems that suffer from issues constituting violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act, a law aimed at protecting public health by regulating the U.S. public water supply. This is why another recommender said:

“[The client’s] research is also incredibly valuable to the United States. Her work on the interaction between organic root exudates and mineral surfaces, as well as the methodology she uses to investigate environmental problems, are conducive to improving environmental and public health in the U.S., insofar as her findings allow researchers to better predict the quality of soil and water in the U.S.”

• On the other front, due to her expertise and record of success, she is considered a leader in the field of natural sciences, and she has completed at least 3 reviews to date.
• Her research has also resulted in 13 peer-reviewed journal articles (3 of them first-authored) and these publications have been cited a total of 327 times according to Google Scholar.
• Furthermore, her study has also received funding from the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Austrian Science Fund, and the Swiss National Science Foundation.
• We also found that he has pursued research directly related to her proposed endeavor of developing novel techniques combining wet chemistry and solid characterization for soil health, water quality, and carbon sequestration techniques for 10 years.

So, when her approval came through we were very happy to have assisted her in the application process. We are proud of having worked with her and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.