Joel Blum's research group focuses on studies of geochemical controls on the structure and function of ecosystems, and on the application of trace element and isotope geochemistry across the Earth and Environmental Sciences. They utilize state-of-the art methods of chemical analysis and stable and radiogenic isotope measurement to address a wide variety of research problems in atmospheric science, forest biogeochemistry, hydrogeochemistry and ecosystem science. Some student projects are fieldwork oriented and utilize relatively simple laboratory methods, whereas other projects involve the development of entirely new laboratory procedures and methodologies. In recent years the research group has advanced the application of stable mercury isotope measurements to the study of mercury in the environment.