In the Pitt Isotope Tracers Lab, directed by Dr. Emily Elliott at the University of Pittsburgh, we explore the impact of humans on ecosystem ecology, with a particular focus on the changing dynamics of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, carbon, and oxygen.  Our research approach is multi-faceted and transdisciplinary, pulling from the fields of biogeochemistry, isotope geochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, hydrology, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, and geography.  Our research team develops and applies novel stable isotope tracers to discern the impact of human activities on nutrient distributions in Earth’s modern and historic systems.   

Emily Elliott is also Chair, Co-founder, Emeritus Director of the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory.