Jess F. Adkins

Jess F. Adkins is the Smits Family Professor of Geochemistry and Global Environmental Science at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), within the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT and a B.S. from Haverford College. His research focuses on geochemical investigations of past climates using corals, sediments, and interstitial waters, with emphasis on deep ocean circulation, metal tracers, radiocarbon, and sulfur biogeochemistry.

Education: B.S., Haverford College, 1990; Ph.D., MIT, 1998. Professional roles include Professor at Caltech since 2010, Associate Professor (2006–2010), and Assistant Professor (2000–2006). He has led numerous sea expeditions, including chief scientist roles on the R/V Atlantis and R/V Thompson.

Research interests span chemical oceanography, paleoclimatology, and biomineralization. Notable awards include Fellowships from the American Geophysical Union and Geochemical Society, the Shackleton Medal, and the Chow Lecture. His work integrates field studies, lab experiments, and theoretical models to understand climate evolution and ocean dynamics.

Teaching includes courses like Ge/ESE 149 (Marine Geochemistry), Ge/ESE 154 (Readings in Paleoclimate), and ESE/Ge 142 (Aquatic Chemistry of Natural Waters). His lab group explores cutting-edge methods in coral dating, porewater analysis, and isotopic tracing to uncover Earth's climate history.