John Kessler Archives - News Center

Two URochester researchers in souped-up kayaks gather samples where the Genesee River and Erie Canal converge.

Campus & Community

Souped-up kayaks become ‘floating laboratories’ on the Genesee River

November 5, 2025

URochester researchers use specially designed kayaks to collect real-time data on methane and carbon dioxide emissions.

researchers stand in a line on a boat holding a large hose.

Science & Technology

Ancient ocean methane not an immediate climate change threat

October 18, 2022

New research shows reservoirs of ocean methane in mid-latitude regions will not be released to the atmosphere under warming conditions.

ice and snow along the shore of Prudhoe Bay

Science & Technology

Ocean waters prevent release of ancient methane

January 17, 2018

Environmental scientist Katy Sparrow ’17 (PhD) set out to discover whether ancient-sourced methane, released due to warming ocean waters, survives to be emitted to the atmosphere.

close-up of ship docked at pier

Science & Technology

Largest research vessel on the Great Lakes brings Rochester science to Chicago’s Navy Pier

Researchers led by earth and environmental sciences professor John Kessler met with schoolchildren and local media aboard the Blue Heron to discuss the team's work on methane levels in the Great Lakes.

Science & Technology

How Much Gulf Spill Oil Was Consumed by Bacteria?

September 11, 2012

Researchers from the University of Rochester and Texas A&M University have found that naturally occurring bacteria that exist in the Gulf of Mexico consumed and removed at least 200,000 tons of oil and natural gas after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill.