Contact
502 SRCC
4107 O'Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Biography
As a Professor in the Department of Geology & Environmental Science, Dr. Elliott’s research group examines the tight coupling between human activities and reactive nitrogen distributions in atmosphere, terrestrial and aquatic systems across spatial scales using stable isotope biogeochemistry. Her research group has advanced knowledge by developing and applying novel stable isotope techniques to challenging questions regarding the impact of human activities on reactive nitrogen distributions and dynamics. Her research approach is multi-faceted and transdisciplinary, pulling from the fields of biogeochemistry, isotope geochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, hydrology, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, and geography.
Dr. Emily Elliott is Director and co-founder of the Pittsburgh Collaboratory for Water Research, Education, and Outreach that bridges efforts in water research, governance, and action at the University of Pittsburgh. She is trained as a Science Ambassador through the National Academies of Sciences “Science & Engineering Ambassador Program” and the 2018 recipient of the American Geophysical Union’s Sulzman Award for Excellence in Education and Mentoring. She is passionate about the importance of interdisciplinary geosciences for addressing sustainability challenges, advancing diversity and inclusion in the geosciences, community-engaged research, and science communication.
- Research
- Recent Publications
- Publications
- Laboratory Members
- Teaching
Our Research in the Elliott Laboratory group examines the tight coupling between human activities and reactive nitrogen distributions in atmospheric, terrestrial and hydrologic systems at multiple spatial scales using stable isotope biogeochemistry. These coupled relationships are investigated in agricultural, energy production, transportation, and human-built environments to determine how best to manage inputs of reactive nitrogen to protect water quality, air quality, ecosystem and human health.
Research Areas
Divers MT, Elliott, EM, Bain, DJ. 2014. Quantification of Nitrate Sources to an Urban Stream Using Dual Nitrate Isotopes. Environmental Science & Technology. 48(18): 10,580-10,587. pdf
Rose L, Elliott, EM, Adams, MB. 2015. Triple nitrate isotopes indicate differing nitrate source contributions to streams across a nitrogen saturate gradient. Ecosystems. DOI: 10.1007/s10021-015-9891-8. pdf.
Elliott, EM, *Yu Z, Cole AS, *Coughlin JG. 2019. Isotopic advances in understanding reactive nitrogen deposition and atmospheric processing. Science of the Total Environment. Special Issue on Reactive Nitrogen Deposition. 662:393-403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.177
Coughlin JG, Elliott EM, Rose LA, Pekney N, Reeder M. 2020. Quantifying atmospheric reactive nitrogen concentrations, deposition, and isotope dynamics surrounding a Marcellus Shale well pad. Atmospheric Environment. 223: 117196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2019.117196. pdf
Yu, Z and Elliott, EM. 2017. A novel method for nitrogen isotopic analysis of soil-emitted nitric oxide (NO). Published online May 3, 2017. Environmental Science & Technology. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b00592. pdf.
Divers MT, Elliott, EM, Bain, DJ. 2013. Constraining nitrogen inputs to urban streams from leaking sewer infrastructure using inverse modeling: Implications for DIN retention in urban environments. Environmental Science & Technology. 47: 1816-1823. DOI: 10.1021/es304331m. pdf
Divers MT, Elliott, EM, Bain, DJ. 2014. Quantification of Nitrate Sources to an Urban Stream Using Dual Nitrate Isotopes. Environmental Science & Technology. 48(18): 10,580-10,587. pdf
Rose L, Elliott, EM, Adams, MB. 2015. Triple nitrate isotopes indicate differing nitrate source contributions to streams across a nitrogen saturate gradient. Ecosystems. DOI: 10.1007/s10021-015-9891-8. pdf.
Elliott, EM, *Yu Z, Cole AS, *Coughlin JG. 2019. Isotopic advances in understanding reactive nitrogen deposition and atmospheric processing. Science of the Total Environment. Special Issue on Reactive Nitrogen Deposition. 662:393-403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.177
Coughlin JG, Elliott EM, Rose LA, Pekney N, Reeder M. 2020. Quantifying atmospheric reactive nitrogen concentrations, deposition, and isotope dynamics surrounding a Marcellus Shale well pad. Atmospheric Environment. 223: 117196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2019.117196. pdf
Yu, Z and Elliott, EM. 2017. A novel method for nitrogen isotopic analysis of soil-emitted nitric oxide (NO). Published online May 3, 2017. Environmental Science & Technology. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b00592. pdf.
Divers MT, Elliott, EM, Bain, DJ. 2013. Constraining nitrogen inputs to urban streams from leaking sewer infrastructure using inverse modeling: Implications for DIN retention in urban environments. Environmental Science & Technology. 47: 1816-1823. DOI: 10.1021/es304331m. pdf
Current
GEOL 1904 Directed Reading: Ecosystem Ecology:
This course explores the complex interactions of Earth’s atmospheric, water, and life systems that determine the chemical characteristics of the environment. The course examines the distribution, cycling, and transport of chemical compounds in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and terrestrial environment on local and global scales. Energy sources, production, and impacts to Earth's geochemistry are also explored. .
GEOL 3953 Watershed Hydrology and Biogeochemistry:
Understanding the science of watersheds is critical to improving water and ecosystem quality. This course will examine surface water hydrology, biogeochemistry, and management of watersheds from an interdisciplinary perspective with a focus on how elemental fluxes are exchanged through atmospheric-terrestrial-aquatic interactions. Taught in alternating years, cross-listed for graduate and undergraduate enrollment.
GEOL 2525 Stable Isotope Geochemistry:
This course provides an introduction to stable isotope systematics of light elements (hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur), principles of mass spectrometry, and applications for environmental systems. Taught in alternating years, cross-listed for graduate and undergraduate enrollment.
GEOL 3956 Topics in Nitrogen Biogeochemistry:
A graduate seminar for those interested in nitrogen dynamics and biogeochemistry, and isotopic techniques for understanding human impacts to nitrogen cycling. The format of the course will vary each semester dependent on interests of those enrolled in the course and current research directions. The course will generally include critical reading and discussion of journal articles, presentation of laboratory and field results, and manuscript preparation. Offered every semester.