Jacob VanderRoest

Bio

Jacob started as a postdoctoral scholar in Dr. Scott Fendorf's lab in August 2026. Jacob graduated from Hope College in 2021 with a B.S. in chemistry and a geology minor and graduated from Colorado State University in 2026 with a PhD in analytical chemistry from Dr. Thomas Borch's lab. During his time at Colorado State University, Jacob investigated the impacts of wildfires on soil organic matter chemistry and carbon cycling. In Dr. Fendorf's lab at Stanford, Jacob is studying plastic contamination in compost alongside further wildfire research determining the organic carbon composition of wildfire smoke. Outside of work, Jacob enjoys trail running, swimming, playing board games, being impressed at the size of redwood trees, and teaching salsa and bachata dancing.

Honors & Awards

• Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation (2020)
• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Honorable Mention (Undergrad Application), National Science Foundation (2021)
• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Honorable Mention (Graduate Application), National Science Foundation (2023)
• Ellen Gonter Graduate Student Research Paper Awardee, Division of Environmental Chemistry of the American Chemical Society (2024)
• Hope College 10 Under 10 Award, Hope College (2026)

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations

• Board Member, Hope College Alumni Sustainability Affinity Group (2026 - Present)

Professional Education

• Doctor of Philosophy, Colorado State University (2026)
• Ph.D., Colorado State University, Analytical Chemistry (2026)
• B.S., Hope College, Chemistry (2021)

Stanford Advisors

• Scott Fendorf, Postdoctoral Faculty Sponsor