GEOTRACES Program Professors and Supervisors

Seth JohnView profile

Associate Professor

University of Southern CaliforniaUnited States

Seth John is an Associate Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California. His research focuses on geobiology, geochemistry, oceanography, metal isotope cycling, virology, and modeling, with applications in marine biogeochemistry and environmental science. He has conducted extensive fieldwork and modeling studies in the Pacific Ocean, including contributions to the GEOTRACES program. His work examines trace metal distributions, isotopic fractionation mechanisms, and the impacts of natural and anthropogenic processes on marine ecosystems. Key research areas include nickel and copper isotope dynamics, iron limitation in phytoplankton, and the role of microbial processes in metal cycling. Recent projects investigate wildfire aerosol impacts on North Pacific biogeochemistry and the utility of neodymium isotopes as ocean circulation proxies. His publications span over a decade, with significant contributions to understanding global metal cycles and oceanic trace element distributions. Dr. John has collaborated on initiatives such as the Tara Pacific Expedition and the US GEOTRACES GP17-OCE section, advancing open-science resources for coral reef and ocean ecosystem studies. His work bridges laboratory analyses (e.g., automated chromatography systems for metal purification) with large-scale oceanographic modeling (e.g., GNOM v1.0 for neodymium cycling).

Official University Profile

Chris HayesView profile

Associate Professor

University of Southern MississippiUnited States

Chris Hayes is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi's Division of Marine Science within the School of Ocean Science and Engineering, located at the Stennis Space Center campus. His research focuses on chemical oceanography, paleoclimate, biogeochemistry, and the marine carbon cycle, utilizing geochemical proxies like uranium and thorium isotopes to study ocean processes. Education: PhD (2013), PHM (2012), MA (2010) from Columbia University; BS (2008) from McGill University. Research interests include aerosol dust deposition, ocean acidification, trace metal cycling, and paleoceanographic reconstructions. He participates in initiatives like GEOTRACES, studying trace elements and isotopes in ocean transects. His work spans the North Pacific, Southern Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean, with a focus on dust transport, circulation patterns, and phytoplankton productivity. Publications emphasize thorium-based flux estimation, dust-climate interactions, and proxy validation. He teaches courses in isotope biogeochemistry, paleoceanography, and marine pollution. His lab, the Hayes Lab for Marine Geochemistry, is part of a network of oceanographic facilities along Mississippi's coast.

Official University Profile

Rebekah MooreView profile

Research Fellow

Imperial College LondonUnited Kingdom

Dr. Rebekah Moore is a Research Fellow in the Department of Earth Science & Engineering at Imperial College London's Faculty of Engineering. She leads innovative research on isotopic and concentration analyses of biological and geological samples, with applications in environmental and biomedical sciences. Her work emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, involving geneticists, oncologists, soil scientists, and analytical chemists. She is a core member of the MAGIC metal-free laboratory and the Royal Society of Chemistry's Atomic Spectroscopy Interest Group, and a University Champion for the Geochemistry Group at the Geological Society. Dr. Moore holds a PhD from Imperial College London (2013–2017) and an MSci in Geoscience from Durham University (2009–2013). Her career includes roles as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ICP-MS analyst, and Visiting Researcher at the University of Oxford. She has developed advanced analytical techniques for metals like cadmium, zinc, and lead, with applications ranging from soil remediation to cancer biomarker discovery. Her research focuses on metal isotope fractionation mechanisms, environmental contaminant cycling, and biomedical metallomics. Key areas include: Cadmium and zinc dynamics in plants and human tissues Lead transport in ocean systems Transition metal roles in microbial drug resistance Isotope tracing in hydroponic and hyperaccumulator systems Dr. Moore's work bridges geology, chemistry, and medicine, with recent studies exploring zinc isotope signatures in breast cancer tissues and cadmium uptake mechanisms in cacao plants. She advocates for mental health awareness through her MHFA England certification (2023–2026).

Official University Profile

Ana Aguilar-IslasView profile

Professor

University of Alaska FairbanksUnited States

Ana Aguilar-Islas is a Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She holds a Ph.D. in Oceanography (2007) and a B.S. in Chemistry (2002) from the University of California Santa Cruz. Her research focuses on trace metal biogeochemistry in high-latitude regions, particularly in the Arctic and Northern Gulf of Alaska, integrating field and laboratory studies to understand metal speciation, distribution, and ecosystem impacts. Her specialties include marine chemistry, analytical methods for trace metals in seawater, and sea ice microbial interactions. Key research projects include the Northern Gulf of Alaska Long Term Ecological Research (NGA LTER) and contributions to the international GEOTRACES program. She teaches courses such as Chemical Oceanography and Integrative Oceanography Seminar. Dr. Aguilar-Islas advises graduate students Emily Ortega and Sarah Belcher. She has secured grants including NSF Award 2322806 (2023) for ecosystem resilience studies. Her work spans interdisciplinary collaborations, addressing topics like freshwater pathways, planktonic food webs, and anthropogenic impacts on marine systems. She is affiliated with the American Geophysical Union, Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, and The Oceanography Society. Her lab and fieldwork focus on advancing understanding of Arctic and subarctic marine environments through cutting-edge analytical techniques and long-term observational studies.

Official University Profile

Alfredo Martinez-GarciaView profile

Researcher

Max Planck Institute for ChemistryGermany

Dr. Alfredo Martínez-García is a Group Leader at the Max-Planck-Institute for Chemistry in Mainz, Germany, leading the Organic Isotope Geochemistry group within the Climate Geochemistry Department since 2015. His research spans Earth system evolution, integrating modern processes and paleoclimatic archives through geochemical techniques. Diploma in Environmental Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona (2004) PhD in Environmental Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona (2009) Postdoctoral Research Associate at ETH Zürich (2009-2012) SNF Ambizione Fellow at ETH Zürich (2012-2015) Visiting Scholar at Princeton University (2014) His work focuses on the interplay between physical, chemical, and biological components of the Earth system. Key methodologies include organic biomarkers and stable isotopes (H, C, N, O) for reconstructing past climates and environmental changes. Notably, he pioneered nitrogen isotope analysis in enamel for trophic evolution studies and cancer metabolism research. Recent research trends emphasize ocean oxygenation dynamics, nitrogen cycling in past and present marine systems, and the impact of climate variability on biogeochemical processes. His publications highlight decadal-scale ocean deoxygenation patterns, nitrogen fixation during warm periods, and isotopic proxies for paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Scientific Awards: Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) Ambizione Fellowship The AMG lab, under his leadership, advances understanding of Earth's climate system through interdisciplinary approaches, combining geochemical techniques with ecological and biomedical applications. His team contributes to high-resolution paleoclimate records and modern environmental monitoring.

Official University Profile

Kanchan MaitiView profile

Professor

Louisiana State UniversityUnited States

Kanchan Maiti is Professor and Chair of the Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences at Louisiana State University, holding the Shell Professorship in Oceanography/Wetland Studies. His research examines carbon and nutrient cycling in coastal and marine systems using geochemical tracers and autonomous platforms. Research investigates: Carbon transport in river-influenced coastal systems Impacts of climate events on coastal carbon budgets Sediment-driven ocean acidification Methane dynamics in marine sediments He has received multiple university awards for teaching and research excellence, including the LSU Alumni Faculty Excellence Award. Current research projects funded by NSF, NASA, and other agencies explore: Methane emissions from orphaned oil wells Hurricane impacts on coastal carbon cycling Eutrophication-driven acidification Polar carbon pump dynamics Dr. Maiti teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in chemical oceanography and marine biogeochemistry, and serves as Associate Editor for Marine Chemistry.

Official University Profile

Frank MartinView profile

Professor

Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research KielGermany

Frank Martin is Professor and head of the Paleo-Oceanography research unit at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. His work reconstructs historical ocean circulation using geochemical proxies. Research focuses on isotopic tracers (Nd, Pb, Hf, Be) in marine systems to study water mass mixing, continental inputs, and biogeochemical cycles. Martin develops methods for extracting proxy signatures from marine archives including sediments and ferromanganese crusts. Publications demonstrate expertise in isotopic oceanography across diverse settings from the Arctic to tropical rivers. Recent work examines Amazon and Congo river inputs, hydrothermal vent contributions, and paleocirculation dynamics. Martin participates in international programs like GEOTRACES. No information is available regarding awards, students, or specific research teams.

Official University Profile

Chrissy WiederwohlView profile

Associate Professor

Texas A&M UniversityUnited States

Chrissy Wiederwohl is an Instructional Associate Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M University. She has held academic roles since 2003, progressing from Graduate Teaching Assistant to her current position. Her research focuses on Southern Ocean dynamics and STEM education innovation. Education: Ph.D. Oceanography, Texas A&M University (2012) M.S. Oceanography, Texas A&M University (2006) B.S. Marine Science, Coastal Carolina University (2002) Research Interests: Explores Southern Ocean water mass structures, decadal variability, and climate change impacts. Active in advancing STEM education and student retention strategies through innovative pedagogical approaches and at-sea learning programs. Her work bridges oceanographic research with educational outreach, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Grants & Awards: $1.95M NSF collaborative project (2020-2024) managing US GEOTRACES GP17 Section $624K Gulf Scholars Program (NAS-GMRP funded) fostering Gulf stewardship Recipient of multiple teaching excellence awards from Texas A&M University Lab/Team: Leads educational initiatives and collaborates on large-scale oceanographic research projects.

Official University Profile

Luis Miguel Laglera BaquerView profile

Professor

University of the Balearic IslandsSpain

Luis Miguel Laglera Baquer is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Spain. He is affiliated with the FI-TRACE research group, the Interdisciplinary Lab on Climate Change (LINCC UIB), and the WEPA R+D+i group, contributing to interdisciplinary research in environmental and marine sciences. His research focuses on the biogeochemical cycles of trace metals in natural waters, particularly iron and copper. He specializes in electrochemical techniques such as voltammetry, including Competing Ligand Equilibration-Adsorptive Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry, to study metal speciation, bioavailability, and interactions with natural organic ligands. His work also involves chemiluminescence, fluorescence, and ICP-MS for comprehensive analytical characterization. He actively teaches courses including Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, and Water Chemistry and Control at both undergraduate and master's levels. His research contributes to global initiatives such as the GEOTRACES program, advancing understanding of trace metal dynamics in marine environments. Dr. Laglera has published 52 peer-reviewed articles and holds an h-index of 23. His laboratory focuses on methodological developments for detecting trace metals and natural ligands in complex environmental matrices. Member, FI-TRACE Research Group Member, Interdisciplinary Lab on Climate Change (LINCC UIB) Member, WEPA R+D+i Group He was a postdoctoral researcher at the Universities of Liverpool and Geneva and participated in the Ramón y Cajal program at UIB. He has completed five five-year teaching accreditation periods and three six-year research accreditation periods, reflecting sustained excellence in both teaching and research.

Official University Profile

Gabriel DULAQUAISView profile

Lecturer

University of Southern BrittanyFrance

Gabriel DULAQUAIS is a Lecturer at the University of Western Brittany, affiliated with the LEMAR Laboratory and the Chibido marine chemistry group. His research focuses on trace metal biogeochemistry, dissolved organic matter dynamics, and environmental chemistry in marine and estuarine systems. He has contributed to major initiatives like the GEOTRACES program, investigating iron and cobalt cycles in the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Key Research Areas: Marine chemistry, trace metals (Cu, Fe, Zn), dissolved organic matter (DOM), estuarine processes, and biogeochemical cycles. Notable Projects: SOPHYAC-light aerosol studies, TONGA cruise investigations into iron-ligand interactions, and analyses of metal speciation in hydrothermal vents. His work emphasizes methodological advancements (e.g., rFIA-LCWG for copper analysis) and the ecological impacts of environmental stressors like wildfires and metal pollution. Collaborative efforts with international teams highlight his role in advancing marine environmental science.

Official University Profile

Susan AllenView profile

Professor

University of British ColumbiaCanada

Susan Allen is a Professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC), part of the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on physical oceanography, coastal dynamics, and biogeochemical-physical interactions, with a specialization in submarine canyon flows and numerical modeling. She holds affiliations with the Institute of Applied Mathematics and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects. Education: B.Sc. (Physics, Queen's University, 1984); Ph.D. (Cambridge University, 1989). Postdoctoral work at Seakem Oceanography (1989–1990) before joining UBC in 1990. Served sabbaticals at institutions like the Institute of Ocean Sciences (2000), IFREMER (2006), and Berkeley (2013–2014). Research Interests: Submarine canyon hydrodynamics, climate-driven ocean processes, trace element distribution (e.g., Mn, Pb), and model development for coastal systems like the Salish Sea. She investigates impacts of anthropogenic carbon on ocean chemistry, upwelling/downwelling dynamics, and ecosystem responses to climate change. Key Contributions: Developed models for carbonate chemistry in the Salish Sea, Arctic trace metal distributions, and canyon-induced cross-shelf exchanges. Her work bridges numerical modeling with field observations, addressing topics like phytoplankton bloom timing and larval dispersal in coastal ecosystems. Advising & Grants: Supervised numerous graduate students (e.g., Becca Beutel) in oceanography and atmospheric science. Active in securing grants for projects such as the Salish Sea forecast model under MEOPAR. Collaborates on initiatives like the Canadian Arctic GEOTRACES program. Labs/Teams: Involved with UBC's Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and the Pacific Museum of Earth. Contributes to climate crisis research through EOAS committees and interdisciplinary projects addressing ocean acidification and hypoxia.

Official University Profile

Rene BoiteauView profile

Assistant Professor

University of Minnesota Twin CitiesUnited States

Rene Boiteau serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota, leading the Boiteau Lab focused on environmental chemistry and biogeochemical cycling. His primary academic appointment resides within the Chemistry Department, with active roles in the NSF REU program and US GEOTRACES international research initiative. Research centers on critical environmental challenges through interdisciplinary approaches: Developing advanced mass spectrometry methods to probe molecular processes in elemental cycles Investigating trace metal transformations by microbes in oceans, rivers, and soils Building predictive models for environmental health impacts of industrialization and climate change Studying iron cycling's role in ocean productivity and carbon sequestration The lab maintains active funding through NSF programs and international collaborations, recruiting undergraduate researchers via REU internships, graduate students through the Chemistry Department, and postdoctoral fellows pursuing external fellowships. Weekly group meetings foster interdisciplinary training in analytical chemistry, environmental science, and computational data analysis. Lab members utilize university core facilities including Mass Spectrometry, NMR, and X-Ray Crystallography laboratories while developing custom data processing pipelines for complex environmental datasets.

Official University Profile