Cook's scientific specialty, biogeochemistry, is the study of the cycling and interaction of biological elements in the environment. The bi-monthly journal publishes papers addressing global aspects of biogeochemistry, including geochemical controls on the environment and the structure and function of ecosystems. Cook will be responsible for soliciting peer reviews of manuscripts submitted by biogeochemical researchers and making publication decisions based upon those reviewer ratings and his own analysis. He will also consult with authors to help them enhance their manuscripts.
An example of a global biogeochemical cycle is the movement of carbon dioxide, a trace constituent of the atmosphere and a major constituent of plants, coal and petroleum. Carbon dioxide is released to the atmosphere when coal or petroleum products are burned. The released carbon dioxide may either remain in the atmosphere, be taken up by plants, or dissolve in the ocean. The global cycle of carbon is important in regulating the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is linked to global climate change.
Originally from Youngstown, N.Y., Cook earned his bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from Eisenhower College in New York and his doctorate in geochemistry from Columbia University in 1981. He conducted research on acid rain and lake acidification at the University of Minnesota and Stockholm University in Sweden after receiving his doctorate.
Having joined ORNL in 1986 as a research associate, Cook was manager of the Clinch River Environmental Restoration Program from 1992 to 1996. Today he oversees 20 scientists in ORNL's environmental chemistry section.
Cook and his wife, Patricia, have three daughters: 13-year-old Leslie; 11-year-old Bridget; and 5-year-old Martha. The family lives in Oak Ridge, where he serves on the board of directors of Girls Incorporated.
ORNL, one of DOE's multiprogram national research and development facilities, is managed by Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp.