Research Topics

Overarching research interest:

Investigating biogeochemical processes and their responses to climate change in a wide array of aquatic and terrestrial environments, from temperate and subarctic lakes in Europe and North America to coastal salt marshes and mangroves in Asia and New Zealand. More specifically:

  • Non-Destructive Scanning Methods: Operating and managing data workflows for non-destructive core scanning techniques, including Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), for high-resolution paleoenvironmental reconstructions.
  • Organic Geochemistry & Chromatography: Specializing in sedimentary pigment extraction, identification, and quantification using HPLC-DAD. Experience with compound-specific stable carbon isotope analysis from modern and fossil materials using GC-IRMS and GC-MS.
  • Inorganic Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Applying MC-ICP-MS and ICP-MS for high-precision stable silicon isotope analysis (δ30Si) combined with Ge/Si ratios to trace elemental cycles in diverse settings, including hydrothermal areas.
  • Trace Metal & Major Element Analysis: Quantifying trace metals (Fe, Mn) and major nutrients (P) in complex environmental samples using ICP-MS following targeted sample preparation techniques like sequential chemical extraction.
  • Advanced Sample Preparation: Developing and applying robust pre-treatment methods for a wide range of complex matrices (anoxic muds, diatom-rich sediments, coastal soils, plant fossils), including sequential extractions, weak-alkaline digestions, and clean lab column chemistry.
  • Data Science & Method Development: Co-development of an open-source, Python-based workflow: napari-sediment and actively collaborating with data scientists to implement machine learning approaches into analytical workflows.
  • International Field Experience: Planning and leading logistical and scientific aspects of research campaigns in diverse and remote environments (e.g., Yellowstone National Park, subarctic Sweden, Svalbard). Proficient in a range of field techniques, including lake sediment coring (gravity and winter coring), water, groundwater and soil sampling, and collecting plant/fossil material from coastal ecosystems across Asia and New Zealand.