Teaching

Initially applied in limited contexts, geochemists, plant biologists, ecologists, paleoceanographers, and environmental chemists have established a solid theoretical foundation and an increasingly broad dataset for using stable isotopes in the study of plants and animals, and into research on global element cycles, ancient climate patterns, hydrothermal systems, etc. Isotopic signatures at natural abundance levels are valuable for identifying patterns and mechanisms at the population and individual organism level, tracing food webs, analyzing ancient diets, and tracking nutrient cycling in ecosystems, both on land and in the ocean.

This course explores how stable isotopes are applied to answer environmental, ecological, and evolutionary questions, as well as the growing potential to use these methods in addressing challenges in ecology, environmental science, and biomedicine. Through a blend of lectures, assigned readings, and interactive group discussions, students will engage with diverse perspectives. Occasionally, the course will also feature guest lectures from experts who use stable isotopes in their research. The aim of this multidisciplinary approach is to spark new insights and inspire creative applications of stable isotopes through diverse viewpoints.

Fall term

Ecosystems are defined by dynamical interactions between groups of organisms, the communities they constitute, and the physical and chemical conditions and processes occurring in the environment. These dynamics are complex and multiscale across both length and time. This course will explore quantitative approaches that observe, measure, model, and monitor ecosystems and the services that they provide society—and the emerging opportunities that could employ these approaches to improve and strengthen global sustainability when it comes to our own ecology.

Spring term (even years)