Our projects
Current projects
Studies of palaeo-ecology through isotopic analyses of modern and fossil biominerals (e.g. teeth, bones from archaeological and palaeontological sites). Particular foci include:
Ungulate δ¹⁸O as a proxy for aridity
Serial sampling of enamel from teeth
Isotopic analysis of ostrich eggshell (OES) and its applicability to palaeoclimate reconstruction
Exploring the use of carnivore stable isotopes as environmental integrators in southern African winter rainfall ecosystems.
Diets and lifeways of ancient foragers and farming communities in southern Africa and elsewhere.
Exploring the applicability of stable isotopes as a forensic tool in Africa.
Stable carbon isotope systematics of C₃ plant systems, and implications for palaeoecology, palaeoatmospheres, and palaeoclimates.
Development of rare isotopologues of CO₂ as tracers for the carbon cycle and as pCO₂ proxies from fossil biominerals and other carbonates; in particular the use of TILDAS for such measurements.
Publications
Our lab has facilitated a large amount of research led by UCT staff and students, and other members of the South African and international research community. The results have been published in leading journals and helped further scientific discovery.
See a selection of our recent publications here.
Opportunities
We dedicated to supporting research and sharing our expertise. Opportunities are available to master’s and PhD students, technicians, and for post-doctoral researchers with related interests.
Please contact Prof Judith Sealy (judith.sealy@uct.ac.za), Dr Vincent Hare (vincent.hare@uct.ac.za) or Dr Julie Luyt (julie.luyt@uct.ac.za), to find out more.