The Energy & Geoscience Institute (EGI) at the University of Utah has announced that Kristie McLin has joined as a Director of Research and Science. She also serves as the new Principal Investigator of the Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (Utah FORGE) located in Beaver County, Utah

U geologist Joseph Moore, who has steered the FORGE project from its inception in 2015 to becoming the world’s only full-scale field laboratory to advance technologies and de-risk tools needed for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), will take on an emeritus role.

“I’m delighted to be back home at the University of Utah,” McLin said. “I earned my Ph.D. here under Dr. Moore [in 2012], and I’ve benefited first-hand from his vision and dedication. The geothermal efforts he has led at EGI are advancing not just Utah FORGE but the industry in general. This is an exciting time to be so deeply involved with geothermal energy.” While mentored by Moore, McLin studied fluid-rock interactions in geothermal and contact metamorphic systems. Since then, the two have collaborated on various projects, including an analysis of fluid boiling effects on scale mineralogy and geochemistry of the vapor and liquid phase at the Dixie Valley geothermal field.

Sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE) to advance the uptake of geothermal resources everywhere, Utah FORGE is a dedicated underground field laboratory located in Beaver County, Utah.

Milind Deo, EGI Director, added, “We are so pleased to have Dr. McLin join our team. She is a welcome addition to our already deep bench of researchers and scientists. I’m excited to see her advance our geothermal expertise and the Utah FORGE project to the next level. We are also grateful for everything Dr. Moore has done for EGI over the past 30 years, and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Prior to joining EGI, McLin served as Director of Subsurface Technology Development at ConocoPhillips. In addition to her doctorate from the U in geology, she earned both a bachelor's degree in geology and a master's in geochemistry from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, McLin enjoys the outdoors and is actively involved in Scouting America in her family. She currently serves as a Crew Committee Chair in the Venturing program and credits her own outdoor adventures as a scout to sparking her desire to become a geologist.

“I cannot think of a better candidate to take over the reins of Utah FORGE,” said Moore about McLin’s appointment. “She was a brilliant student and has enjoyed an impressive and successful career making her exceptionally suited for this position. As I step away from the everyday activities involved with running this project, I am pleased to know it is in such good hands.”