About the lab

We study how microbial processes control the cycling of elements in terrestrial ecosystems, while focusing on the exchange of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) between soils, plants, and the atmosphere. We are particularly interested in exploring how soil greenhouse emissions, C storage, and ecosystem N availability respond to global change factors (e.g., drought, N deposition, and fire). To answer these questions, we use stable isotopes to disentangle the processes that control gross rates of nitrification, N mineralization, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium, and the production and consumption of nitrous oxide, a strong greenhouse gas.