The Ono laboratory for stable isotope geochemistry studies how microbes catalyze chemical reactions and shape the chemistry of our atmosphere and oceans.

Our laboratory has explored the early evolution of atmospheric oxygen using stable sulfur isotope systems and developed a novel tool to pinpoint the origin of methane, significant long-lived greenhouse gas, and a key biosignature gas for space exploration.

Our approach has always combined theoretical, experimental, and observational studies to answer significant questions in Earth science using stable isotopes as a versatile tool. We apply our tools to a broad range of problems in both low- and high-temperature geochemistry.