Janelle Steffen

Janelle Steffen is an Assistant Research Scientist in the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M University. Her work focuses on understanding iron cycling in the ocean, particularly in Antarctic regions, using stable isotope techniques. She collaborates with Dr. Jessica Fitzsimmons to establish a state-of-the-art MC-ICP-MS facility at TAMU, positioning the university as a global leader in metal isotope analysis.

Education:

• PhD in Oceanography, Texas A&M University (2024)
• M.S. in STEM Education, Johns Hopkins University (2013)
• B.S. in Environmental Science, Indiana University (2011)

Research Interests:

• Iron and trace metal biogeochemistry in polar and open-ocean systems
• Application of stable isotope geochemistry to trace element cycling
• Development of advanced analytical techniques like MC-ICP-MS

Her recent articles highlight Antarctic benthic iron fluxes, hydrothermal influences on iron budgets, and REE dynamics linked to West Antarctic ice sheet melting. These studies emphasize the critical role of sediments and hydrothermal activity in global iron supply.

Awards:

• 2018 Texas A&M University Merit Fellowship

Advising/Grants: While no students are listed, her work is supported by institutional funding and collaborative grants. Her lab focuses on advancing marine geochemical methodologies and understanding climate-sensitive ocean systems.

Labs/Teams: Core member of the TAMU geochemistry group developing cutting-edge metal isotope analytical capabilities.