Emily M Elliott

Dr. Emily M Elliott is a Professor in the Department of Geology & Environmental Science at the University of Pittsburgh and Emeritus Director of the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory. Her research integrates stable isotope biogeochemistry with urban hydrology to study human impacts on nitrogen cycling across atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic systems. She leads the Pitt Isotope Tracers Lab, focusing on reactive nitrogen dynamics, infrastructure-water interactions, and sustainability challenges.

• Ph.D. in Geography & Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
• M.S. in Geography & Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
• B.A. in Environmental Science, University of Virginia

Dr. Elliott's research spans biogeochemistry, isotope geochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, hydrology, and urban ecology. She develops novel stable isotope methods to trace nitrogen sources in complex environmental systems, with applications in water quality management, air pollution mitigation, and science communication. Her recent work examines urban stream eutrophication, lead abatement impacts, and remote sensing applications for nutrient monitoring.

The Pitt Isotope Tracers Lab, under her direction, maintains active collaborations with the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory and the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation. Her publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining field measurements, isotopic analysis, and geospatial tools to address urban sustainability issues.

• Sulzman Award (2018) for education/mentoring excellence
• Sustainability Faculty Fellow (2017-2018) at Pitt

As a National Academies Science Ambassador, Dr. Elliott emphasizes science communication and diversity in geosciences. She has secured multiple grants from NSF, DOE, and EPA, including an NSF CAREER award for air-earth-water interactions and projects on Marcellus Shale emissions. Her lab actively recruits researchers for stable isotope studies.