Aquatic Aquarium

JJ’s early days as a chemist consisted of monitoring the water chemistry of his aquatic plant aquariums.  It was through aquatic fish tanks that JJ first learned how to build a CO2 reactor and where he also learned the mechanics to maintaining proper nitrogen, CO2, pH, O2, and trace element levels that were needed to grow lush underwater gardens.

JJ’s obsession for aquatic gardens spun a huge interest in chemical/environmental engineering which led to his studies at UC Santa Barbara as an active Chemical Engineer.  At UCSB,  JJ was rewarded with many internship opportunities through the Wildland Studies Program, where he conducted salination tests along the estuaries of Big Sur.  In 2003, JJ partipated in the National Science Foundation, REU program at UNM, where he worked directly under Dr. Julie Coonrod and Dr. John Stormont analyzing the Rio Grande pollution run off from trees and a local chemical plant.  Publication available at this link.

In 2005, JJ partnered with colleagues, Alexandra Liou and Ian Mac Moore to start an environmental consulting company called, Orbis Acies that helped small local businesses to integrate greener solutions into their existing establishments.

In 2007, he joined World Centric, one of the world’s leading provider’s of biodegradable dish-ware as their environmental marketer where he determined the total chemical emissions of the company’s entire manufacturing process.

Recent Chemist Endeavors

JJ Collecting Hard Mineral Sample

Just in the last year JJ has been applying his chemical background to his ancient investigation studies.  Currently, JJ is the Archeo-Chemist on the television series, “Ancient Tomorrow” where he actively collects and tests ice, water, and soil samples to reveal past cataclysmic events and past chemical compounds that will help to determine the chemical sophistication of these ancient cultures thousands of years ago.

In addition to the television series, JJ also assists at laboratories in the Los Angeles area as a toxicologist and environmental remediation specialist.