Dr. Lee Ann Munk is a Professor of Geochemistry and Geological Sciences at the University of Alaska where she leads a team of faculty, students, and researchers in solving cutting edge problems related to the energy transition. Her research expertise is in environmental and exploration geochemistry and resource geology with current work focused on pioneering ore deposit models for lithium brines, developing novel biomining techniques for REEs, and using isotope geochemistry to advance the exploration of concealed copper deposits. She has over 25 years of experience working in the critical minerals space with an extensive publication record and diverse and long-term industry research partnerships. She is excited to be the incoming Director of the Alaska Critical Minerals Collaborative based in the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska which will promote the extensive research and development abilities in science and engineering and advance partnerships with industry and state and federal agencies.