Forensic Stable Isotopes
This project explores natural light stable isotopes to investigate biological, chemical, environmental, and physical processes.
Project is Not Currently Available
This project has reached full capacity for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.
Project description
Light stable isotopes are widely used in forensic sciences (in the broadest sense) to determine habitats, biochemical processes, diets, the hydrological cycle, and climate change. The goal of this research is to use naturally occurring light stable isotopes to investigate biological, chemical, environmental, and physical processes.
Project outcome
This project will culminate in a written scientific report that may be submitted for publication to a peer-reviewed scientific journal. It can also culminate in a research poster presentation at a scientific conference.
Project details
| Length of commitment | longer than a semester; 6-9 months |
| Start time | Anytime |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-person |
| Level of collaboration | Individual project, possible collaboration with a graduate student |
| Benefits | Academic Credit, Salary/Stipend, Volunteer |
| Who is eligible | Students with strong communication and organizational skills, interest in geology, chemistry, biology, and/or forensic science, interest in working in a chemistry lab |
Goldwater and the National Science Foundation
Students participating in this project might be interested in and eligible for the Goldwater Scholarship and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Connect with the Office of Fellowships and Scholarships to learn more.
Project mentor
Elizabeth Thomas
Assistant Professor
Geology
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.)
Preparation activities
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
- Attend lab safety training.
- Contact the faculty mentor to discuss specific project availability and goals.
Keywords
Geology