Jim Elser

Bio

Dr Elser’s primary research activities involve developing and testing the theory of ecological stoichiometry, the study of the balance of energy and multiple chemical elements in ecological systems, and, more recently, in advancing progress towards phosphorus sustainability.

Currently, Dr Elser’s research focuses most intensively on Flathead Lake as well as other lakes of western Montana as well as high elevation lakes on the Qinghai Plateau (China). Specific studies involve observational and experimental studies at various scales, including laboratory cultures, short-term field experiments and regional scale comparative studies. Previous field sites have included the Experimental Lakes Area in Ontario, Canada; lakes of the Arctic and of Patagonia; lakes, forests, and grasslands of the upper Midwest; and desert springs in Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert.  He is currently active as Knowledge Transfer advisor in the NSF-funded Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center which is centered at NCSU.