I am a forest and soil microbial ecologist, and biogeochemist at Lawrence University in the Geosciences Department. My interests span from soil microbial ecology, applied ecosystem ecology, to forest disturbance ecology, which helps me explore questions about forest nutrient cycling, disturbance dynamics, soil ecology, and ecosystem structure and function. I ask questions about how ecosystems work, who is performing those tasks, and the context for how they work together.
In one branch of my research I examine the connections between tree species and soil communities. I ask questions about nutrient cycling, microbial communities, and carbon allocation in forests grown in monocultures and polycultures.
A second branch of my research examines the distribution and diversity of soil microbial communities across ecosystems from forests and prairies to urban gardens and compost piles. Most recently I have been digging into sustainable agriculture and soil health in relation to microbial communities. I have a new series of experiments on rhizosphere microbial communities and their genomes for leafy greens and tomatoes.
A third branch of my research is focused on urban gardens and ecosystem services. Native bee and pollinator research has been in collaboration with Dr. Israel Del Toro and extends throughout the Fox Valley. Check out more at www.BYOBeez.org.
I am an avid trail runner, with a passion for exploring the natural world, drinking coffee, hugging trees, and playing with ants, roots, and soil.
I have enjoyed fieldwork across the globe, from the forests of the United Kingdom, Denmark, and British Columbia where I researched tree species interactions with soil communities and the cascading effects on nutrient and carbon dynamics. I have also worked extensively on ant communities and interactions with soils and ecosystem processes in New England forests and Australian savannas.
In one branch of my research I examine the connections between tree species and soil communities. I ask questions about nutrient cycling, microbial communities, and carbon allocation in forests grown in monocultures and polycultures.
A second branch of my research examines the distribution and diversity of soil microbial communities across ecosystems from forests and prairies to urban gardens and compost piles. Most recently I have been digging into sustainable agriculture and soil health in relation to microbial communities. I have a new series of experiments on rhizosphere microbial communities and their genomes for leafy greens and tomatoes.
A third branch of my research is focused on urban gardens and ecosystem services. Native bee and pollinator research has been in collaboration with Dr. Israel Del Toro and extends throughout the Fox Valley. Check out more at www.BYOBeez.org.
I am an avid trail runner, with a passion for exploring the natural world, drinking coffee, hugging trees, and playing with ants, roots, and soil.
I have enjoyed fieldwork across the globe, from the forests of the United Kingdom, Denmark, and British Columbia where I researched tree species interactions with soil communities and the cascading effects on nutrient and carbon dynamics. I have also worked extensively on ant communities and interactions with soils and ecosystem processes in New England forests and Australian savannas.
