Biogeochemistry, Global Change, Nitrogen Saturation & Cycling, and Soil Microbiology

Human activities significantly alter our environment. These changes include rising levels of greenhouse gases, acid rain, stratospheric ozone depletion, and enhanced nitrogen deposition. My research examines how anthropogenic changes in our environment alter important ecosystem processes.

Currently, we are focused on two important questions. The first is whether the effects of UV-B on red oak seedlings depend on water and nitrogen availability. Of particular interest is whether seedlings of this species become more sensitive to UV-B as nitrogen availability increases. The second question being studied is whether chronic additions of nitrogen by acid rain have exceeded the capacity of some forests to retain and utilize this nutrient. Specifically, we are trying to determine whether differences in tree species accounts for the different responses observed in forests receiving similar amounts of nitrogen deposition. By understanding these processes, better forest management practices may be developed.