James Ehleringer

James Ehleringer is a Professor of Biology at the University of Utah, where he has served since 1977. He directs the Stable Isotope Ratio Facility for Environmental Research (SIRFER) and previously founded the Global Change and Sustainability Center (2009-2015). Ehleringer chaired the Biology Department (1993-1996) and spearheaded the construction of the Aline Skaggs Biology Building.

His research focuses on plant ecology and stable isotope applications, establishing the field of isotope forensics. Key contributions include using isotopic signatures to track drug origins, athlete doping, and atmospheric CO₂ sources. His work bridges ecological theory with forensic, geological, and anthropological applications through innovative stable isotope methodologies.

Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal three dominant trends: (1) urban isotope hydrology examining tap water geochemistry across metropolitan areas, (2) climate change impacts on plant water-use efficiency using desert shrubs like Encelia farinosa, and (3) forensic applications of human tissue isotopes for geographic sourcing. These studies demonstrate his signature approach of applying fundamental biogeochemical principles to solve complex environmental and societal problems.

Major scientific honors include:

• Member of the National Academy of Sciences
• American Geophysical Union Fellow
• American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow
• Utah Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology
• Rosenblatt Prize (2016)
• Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship

Ehleringer has mentored generations of scientists through IsoCamp (training 800+ researchers since 1996) and NSF-funded STEM scholarships for first-generation students. His leadership secured the Rio Mesa Center field station and established the Utah Urban Carbon Dioxide Network for metropolitan emission monitoring.

He directs SIRFER—the world’s premier stable isotope facility for environmental research—and leads the University of Utah’s involvement in the Wasatch Environmental Observatory, integrating Red Butte Creek into campus-wide research and education initiatives.