Understanding the physical chemistry controlling the isotopic composition of natural archives is, to me, one of the most exciting aspects of being a geochemist. It is how new ways of studying the Earth system are made possible. A major part of my current research is devoted to studies of these types. A few examples include: Measuring the uranium isotope ratios of serpentinites, measuring helium isotopes in marine sediments as tracers of past ice dynamics, developing sedimentary mercury concentrations as a paleo proxy, and determining the U isotopic composition of porewaters in marine sediments.

Most of these projects are still in their early stages, but with exciting preliminary results. Check back here as this work evolves for more updates!