I am Neha Mehta, a geomicrobiologist passionate about understanding how microbes interact with minerals to shape the Earth’s geochemical cycles. My research combines spectroscopy, microscopy, and geochemical modeling to unravel processes of biomineralization, contaminant sequestration, and microbe-mineral interfaces in modern and ancient environments.

Currently, I am an FNRS Research Fellow at Université libre de Bruxelles, where I investigate the impact of microplastics on biomineralization processes. Starting January 2026, I will join the IMPMC Lab at Sorbonne University (Paris) as a permanent faculty member, continuing my work on biogeochemical processes at the microbe-mineral interface.

My approach combines field studies, laboratory experiments, and high-resolution techniques—including synchrotron-based spectroscopy and electron microscopy—to uncover how these interactions influence element cycling and leave signatures in the rock record. These insights not only inform environmental remediation strategies but also enhance our understanding of life’s co-evolution with Earth’s surface environments.

To learn in detail about my work, here’s the link to my CV