Role at ANSTO
Dr Andrew Langendam is a Beamline Scientist at the X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy (XFM) Beamline at the Australian Synchrotron. Andrew works with scientists to understand and solve scientific problems relating to metal mobility, environmental contamination, bioaccumulation of heavy metals, solar cell development, geosciences and in many other fields using the unique capabilities of the XFM beamline.
Dr Langendam’s research background is in planetary geology. He completed his PhD at Monash University, where he studied how planets can form with lots of ice. He has led field expeditions to collect meteorites, hunted micrometeorites in some of the Earth’s oldest rocks and even in Antarctic ice cores. He has also worked to understand Australia’s Paleogene biota by finding, preparing and identifying biotic inclusions in amber found in Australia’s Southeast. Andrew has extended his planetary science work whilst at the Australian Synchrotron to understand how meteorites interact with the local environment and has used his experience to inform on projects tackling the formation of life on Earth and Mars. This study is looking for evidence of extremophile life in hot springs on Earth to understand how we may find these in similar rocks that have previously been found on Mars. He has previously commissioned and ran an extended focus microscope and has experience with electron microscopy, EMPA, laser ablation, and X-ray and neutron tomography.
He is also an advocate for safe work practices and a diverse work environment. Previously, Andrew has volunteered for emergency services, and has developed safe work practices for remote fieldwork, and is an advocate for inclusion and acceptance in the workplace.
Expertise
X-ray fluorescence microscopy, environmental science, metal interaction with biology, geosciences, planetary science.