The Cerling and Ehleringer Endowment for Environmental Isotope Studies


The Cerling and Ehleringer Endowment for Environmental Isotope Studies

The Cerling and Ehleringer Endowment for Environmental Isotope Studies marks a pivotal moment for
environmental isotope research and training at the University of Utah. Established to honor the
extraordinary careers and profound legacies of Thure Cerling, PhD, and Jim Ehleringer, PhD. These two
distinguished scientists have left an indelible mark on the field of ecology and the application of stable
isotopes to unravel a vast array of natural processes and complex scientific questions.

The fund will provide critical, perpetual support to the SIRFER (Stable Isotope Ratio Facility for
Environmental Research) facility, a world-class hub for cutting-edge stable isotope analysis. The
endowment will enable SIRFER to host visiting students and faculty, fostering collaboration and the
exchange of expertise while supporting workshops that disseminate the latest advancements in isotopic
techniques. Crucially, the endowment will also empower University of Utah students to seek specialized
training at other leading laboratories, ensuring they gain access to techniques and instrumentation not
currently available on campus.

Additionally, a significant portion of the funds will be allocated to seed research projects for university
students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty. Finally, the endowment will facilitate travel for
students and faculty to attend scientific meetings, workshops, and other unique opportunities, ensuring
their continued professional development and the broader dissemination of their research findings.

The Cerling and Ehleringer Endowment will cultivate the next generation of environmental scientists,
equipping them with the tools and knowledge to address pressing global challenges using the powerful
insights gleaned from stable isotope research.

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