My name is Eryn Eitel and I study modern environments using a broad suite of techniques that enable me to fully claim the term biogeochemist. I believe that to understand the complex chemical and microbial processes which occur in nature it is necessary to tackle our questions from multiple angles - to do this I combine novel geochemistry techniques with analysis of microbial activity, modeling of chemical reactions with lab experiments, and field work with the study of simplified systems.

 

Insight into the transformation of elements, like S and Fe, which exert hegemony in most sediments and soils, enables us to better understand of the availability of nutrients, release of contaminants, production of alkalinity, and cycling of carbon dioxide and methane. Understanding the transformation of S and Fe not only provides information about modern environments, but may lead to insight about past climates and the evolution of life.

 

In my research I employ handcrafted micro-electrodes, analysis of stable isotopes, and investigation of microbial ecology through amplicon sequencing and ‘omics to study early diagenesis and learn how major perturbations, such as climate change, will impact our planet. 

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Please check out the Research tab to learn more about my current research projects.