John du Plessis

John du Plessis is a Promovendus (PhD candidate) at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, working within the Isotope Research group. His research focuses on methodological advancements in stable isotope analysis for environmental and archaeological applications.

Education:

• MSc (field unspecified)

His primary research spans isotope geochemistry, dendrochronology, and environmental science, with specific emphasis on δ¹⁸O determinations in tree-ring cellulose. He actively contributes to archaeological science through the CONTACT project, applying isotope techniques to Norse TransAtlantic colonization studies. His work addresses critical gaps in analytical protocols and quality control for paleoclimate reconstructions.

His recent publication establishes foundational methodologies for tree-ring cellulose isotope analysis, demonstrating interdisciplinary convergence between geochemistry, dendrochronology, and archaeological dating. The research reveals systematic challenges in sample preparation and measurement consistency, with implications for climate reconstruction accuracy across multiple disciplines.

No scientific awards were documented in available sources.

Funded by the CONTACT project (2023-2028), du Plessis operates without formal advisees as a doctoral researcher. His work involves significant collaboration with international archaeologists and climate scientists but lacks independent grant leadership.

He operates within Groningen's Isotope Research infrastructure, collaborating with the CONTACT project consortium that integrates researchers from archaeology, isotope geochemistry, and historical linguistics across European institutions.