Anja Eichler

Dr. Anja Eichler serves as a Scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, working within the Analytical Chemistry Group of the Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry under the Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences. She has held this staff scientist position since 2008, specializing in ice core analysis for climate and pollution reconstruction.

Her educational background includes:

• Chemistry studies in Dresden and Darmstadt, Germany, earning a degree in analytical and physical chemistry from Technical University Darmstadt with thesis on "Investigation of Iron gall ink using TXRF and SEM"
• PhD from University of Bern (2000) on "Deposition of trace species in firn and ice of alpine glaciers"

Eichler's research centers on chemical trace species analysis in ice cores, employing advanced techniques like IC, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and WS-CRDS to measure major ions, trace elements, and water isotopes. She develops novel analytical methods and applies statistical tools to reconstruct historical climate patterns and atmospheric pollution in mid- and low-latitude regions, placing contemporary environmental changes in long-term context. Her work bridges analytical chemistry with paleoclimatology and environmental history.

Her publication record (2009-2019) reveals consistent focus on ice core chemistry, with emphasis on meltwater effects on pollutant records, historical emissions from metallurgy and industrialization, and climate-pollution interactions. Key themes include heavy metal pollution tracking (Pb, Hg, Cu), snowpack chemical processes, and Siberian/Andean environmental histories, demonstrating methodological innovation in ice core interpretation.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Marie-Heim Vögtlin fellowship from Swiss National Science Foundation for postdoctoral research on Siberian Altai climate and pollution history

As a staff scientist at PSI, Eichler contributes to institutional research projects through her analytical expertise, supporting both internal initiatives and external collaborations in environmental chemistry. Her work provides critical data for understanding anthropogenic impacts on atmospheric composition.

She operates within PSI's Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry, which maintains specialized facilities for ice core processing and chemical analysis. The Analytical Chemistry Group provides essential services for environmental research projects while advancing methodological standards for ice core studies.