Research

Integrating Isotopes, Data and Environmental Modeling

At the SAiVE Lab, we transform isotope geolocation from a niche geological method into a versatile, data-driven framework for tracing the movement of life and materials. By pairing multiple isotope systems (strontium, sulfur, hydrogen, lead, and more) with machine learning, population genomics, metabarcoding, remote sensing, and Earth observation, we reconstruct mobility and provenance at the scale of single individuals — from butterflies to mammoths to timber. Below are the themes that organize our work.

Global bioavailable strontium isoscape built using machine-learning regression (from Bataille et al. 2020).

Isoscapes and Data Science

Building powerful multi-isotope isoscapes with data science to map origins and enable geolocation applications.

Painted ladies butterfly and their geographic provenance based on the isotopic composition of their wings (from Talavera et al. 2018)

Insect Migration & Conservation

Uncover global insect migrations using isotopes to predict connectivity and guide conservation actions.

Graph showing number 4 integrated network and data flow.

Insect Pest Management

Trace insect pest origins with isotope geolocation to enable early warning and targeted management.

Science magazine cover with ice age mammoth with tusks along with isotope signatures in graph beside cover.

Megafauna Extinction and Paleoecology

Reconstructing extinct megafauna movements with isotopes to understand climate impacts and guide future conservation.

In 15th century located in western France mass grave found with likely isotope geographic origins.

Archaeology

Discover ancient human mobility using isotopes to reveal origins, migrations, and hidden social networks.

The biological chronology showing animal growth and travel.

Aquatic Animal Migration and Management

Track aquatic animal migrations with isotope geolocation to reveal hidden life histories across ecosystems.

Graph showing wood sample and collection along with isotopes reveal origins.

Timber and Food Traceability

Verify product origins with isotope geolocation and machine learning for transparent, sustainable supply chains.

Chemical weathering over the Yukon River is rapidly changing with global warming.

Artic River Hydrology

Explore Arctic warming impacts on rivers using isotopes to reveal water and carbon dynamics.