How student researchers uncovered a story hidden in campus oak trees

By Marie Elizabeth Oliver

Published July 6, 2026 at 1:35 PM CDT

What began as a study of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's iconic live oak trees led to an unexpected scientific discovery. In this episode of La Louisiane, Dr. Brian Schubert and recent chemistry graduate Izzy Lara discuss how undergraduate research, stable carbon isotope analysis and a little scientific curiosity are helping researchers better understand Earth's changing atmosphere.

Read a transcript of the conversation.

Audio production: Clint Domingue / KRVS

Video production: Kade Parker / University of Louisiana at Lafayette

La Louisiane

Marie Elizabeth Oliver

Marie Elizabeth Oliver is an award-winning editor and journalist. Her work has been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN and Southern Living. She has taught journalism and served as the managing editor and podcast host of La Louisiane at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her local reporting has been published by The Current, Acadiana Profile and New Orleans Public Radio.

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