Katherine Romanak has developed monitoring plans for six major CO₂ storage projects since 2007, bridging academia and industry. She pioneered a process-based soil gas method that reduced baseline data costs and became a global monitoring standard. She advanced leakage “attribution” techniques, notably disproving the first claimed leak at Kerr Farm. Her work has shaped international and US CO₂ regulations, improved environmental protections, and guided industry best practices. She serves on global advisory boards, communicates CO₂ storage safety to diverse stakeholders, and trains oil and gas professionals to transition into CCS roles.