Jennifer Fehrenbacher

Jennifer Fehrenbacher is an Associate Professor at the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University. She serves as the Interim Program Director for the Ocean, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences Graduate Program. Her research integrates trace element geochemistry, stable isotope analysis, and marine biology to advance paleoceanographic proxy development.

• Education
  • Ph.D., University of Chicago, Department of Geophysical Sciences (2010)
  • M.S., University of Chicago, Physical Sciences Division (2003)
  • B.S., Northern Illinois University, Department of Geology (1997)

Her work focuses on understanding how planktic foraminifera calcify and regulate their geochemistry, with implications for reconstructing past ocean conditions. She combines laboratory culture experiments with fossil record analysis to refine proxy relationships for climate studies.

Recent publications highlight her lab's innovations in trace element mapping, proxy calibration, and microbiome associations in foraminifera. Techniques like laser-ablation ICP-MS and 16S rRNA metabarcoding are central to her methodology.

Her research addresses critical questions in biomineralization, ocean acidification, and climate change impacts on marine calcifiers. She actively recruits undergraduate and graduate students for projects spanning ocean chemistry, calcification temperature, and proxy validation.