John Eiler
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Eiler | |
|---|---|
| Born | John M. Eiler |
| Education | |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | |
| Institutions | California Institute of Technology |
| Doctoral advisor | John W. Valley |
John Mathew Eiler is an American geochemist and geologist, known for his contributions to stable isotope geochemistry.[1] His work has provided insights into various scientific questions, such as determining the body temperatures of dinosaurs, understanding Earth's ancient climate, and studying the thermal histories of meteorites and planetary surfaces. As of 2025, he holds the position of Robert P. Sharp Professor of Geology and Geochemistry at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and serves as the Chair of Caltech's Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences.[2]
John Eiler began his academic path in geology at Beloit College and later at the University of Iowa, where he conducted early research on high-grade metamorphic rocks under the guidance of geologists Henry Woodard and Tom Foster.[3] He completed his B.S. in Geology at Iowa in 1989.[citation needed] He then earned an M.S. and Ph.D. in Geology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he studied under John W. Valley, focusing on mechanisms of stable isotope exchange in metamorphic minerals.[citation needed]
Following his doctoral work, Eiler joined the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) as a postdoctoral researcher in 1994, working with Edward Stolper and Sam Epstein. He was appointed Assistant Professor in 1998 and advanced to the Robert P. Sharp Professor of Geology and Geochemistry in 2008. In 2024, Eiler was named Chair of Caltech's Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, assuming the Ted and Ginger Jenkins Leadership Chair.[4]
