Rebekah A. Stein
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Ph.D Candidate
Continental Environments Research Group (CERG) & Plant Evolution, Paleobotany and Paleoecology Research (PEPPR)
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Field of Study
Stable isotope ecology, biogeochemistry & paleoclimatology
Education
Ph.D Candidate, University of Michigan, Expected 2020-2021
B.S. Geology-Biology, Brown University, 2014
About
I grew up in New England and graduated in 2014 from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. I previously looked at changes in nutrient cycling in roots, soils, and leaf tissue associated with phylogenetic and topographic influences in the Luquillo Experimental Forest (LTER) of Puerto Rico. I focused particularly on Colorado and Tabonuco-dominated forests (notably both angiosperms). After graduating from Brown with a B.S. in Geology-Biology, I went on to spend one year as a lab manager in a paleoclimate lab at Bryant University and one year as a high-school science and math (Biology-9, Chemistry-10, Physics-11, Pre-Calculus-11/12) teacher at Beth Chana Academy in Orange, Connecticut. Both of these experiences confirmed my passion for research and teaching.
I am currently a fourth year PhD candidate at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, working with Dr. Nathan Sheldon and Dr. Selena Smith. My research focus still has a biogeochemical focus, specifically on leaf and soil stable carbon isotopes and paleoclimate proxies. I have collaborated with a number of herbaria and museums and have visited many natural locations and collections facilities to collect specimens from the late Mesozoic through present across a swath of climate variables including mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, atmospheric carbon concentration, and atmospheric carbon isotopic signature.
Outside of studying rocks, I also enjoy climbing them. I love endurance athletics and have participated in long-distance running, biking, triathlon, and hiking events. I regularly do jiu jitsu and love spending quality time with my puppy.
Please feel free to contact me directly if you are interested in collaborating or chatting! I can be reached by email (restein@umich.edu).
Follow me on ResearchGate, Twitter and Instagram: @stein_science