Research. Conduct research to enhance the understanding of important microbial processes in agricultural soils, reclaimed surface mined lands and intensively managed turfgrass systems (golf courses, sports fields home lawns). This research contributes to a better understanding of the factors controlling nutrient management in soils, more efficient use of agricultural inputs, and decreased potential for negative environmental impacts.
Teaching. Teach an upper-level undergraduate course (with some graduate enrollment) in Soil Microbiology in the Spring and Fall semesters. The course is intended to provide students with a solid foundation about the nature of the major microbial groups in soils and their roles in critical processes in agricultural and natural settings. Such processes include (but are not limited to) microbial nutrient cycling (especially carbon and nitrogen) and degradation of organic compounds including natural and human-made chemicals (e.g., in bioremediation). Beneficial roles of soil microbes are stressed.
Research and Teaching Website