Heather Haines

Dr. Heather Haines is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Nevada, Reno, specializing in dendrochronology and isotopic analysis of wood samples. Her research focuses on paleoclimatology, hydroclimate variability, and underutilized tree species in dendrochronology. She has conducted fieldwork in the Australian tropics, Canadian and U.S. Rocky Mountains, desert landscapes, glacial forefields, and wetlands across multiple countries.

Education:

• Ph.D., Environmental Sciences, Griffith University (2018)
• M.S., Geography, University of Western Ontario (2012)
• B.S., Geography: Environment and Resource Management, University of Western Ontario (2007)

Research Interests:

• Paleoclimate reconstruction using tree rings
• Isotopic analysis (14C, stable isotopes)
• Ecological adaptations in arid environments
• Development of climate proxies in non-traditional tree species
• Hydrological processes in tropical and temperate regions

Current Projects: Investigating long-term atmospheric mercury variability in Giant Sequoia groves and tropical climate reconstructions. Collaborates with the Chronos 14Carbon-Cycle Facility for advanced dating methodologies.

Lab/Tech Engagement: Active in the Chronos 14C facility, instrumental in developing radiocarbon protocols. Utilizes Itrax core scanners for non-destructive tree-ring analysis.