My research is at the interface of environmental biogeochemistry, near-surface hydrology, and sustainability science. I seek to understand how people change the ways that elements (such as carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur) transform within and transport through terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and how those changes feed back to affect our wellbeing. My past and current projects have included understanding the interactions of biogeochemical and hydrologic processes in human-dominated systems, including agricultural systems in California, and in more remote areas like relatively undisturbed, high elevation locations along the American Cordillera. I am interested not only in conducting research, but also in working toward sustainable solutions related to water, nutrient, and pesticide management. In addition, I am involved in designing large-scale observatory networks, and exploring compatibility of networks within the United States and internationally.
keywords
Environmental biogeochemistry, near-surface biogeochemical and hydrologic processes, sustainability of soil and water resources, stable isotope geochemistry, X-ray Absorption Near-edge Structure spectroscopy
EBIO 4155 - Ecosystem Ecology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021
Integrates information from physics (energetics), chemistry (element properties) and biology (evolutionary traits, photosynthetic pathways) to understand the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Provides an analysis of biotic community responses and feedbacks to environmental change drivers. Strong focus on water, nutrient cycling and carbon dynamics of diverse terrestrial and aquatic landscapes. Recommended prerequisites: general biology, EBIO 2040 or equivalent. Formerly EBIO 3270.
ENVS 1001 - Introduction to Developing Environmental Solutions
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020
Builds on ENVS 1000 to give students greater understanding of how to approach environmental issues and work toward solutions. Integrates all focal areas of ENVS - sciences, policy, values - with greatest emphasis on learning science, data analysis and critical thinking fundamentals. Uses case studies of local issues to provide context for skill building and synthesis.
ENVS 4050 - Field Methods in Ecosystem Science
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2020
Studying the relationships among organisms, physical features, biogeochemistry and humans in ecological communities - this is ecosystem science. This course provides conceptual understanding and practical experience conducting research. Students will pose their own scientific questions, learn several field and lab methods, analyze data and design a project. Upon completion, they will have useful skills for internships, jobs and graduate school. Fulfills application requirement in ENVS major. Department enforced prerequisite: ENVS 1000 or two semesters of natural sciences; such as chemistry, geology or biology.
ENVS 4850 - ENVS Honors Thesis Research
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022
To be taken in final academic year prior to graduation. Consists of honors research and thesis preparation under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Department enforced restriction: Requires a minimum 3.3 GPA and a declared ENVS major and approval by departmental honors committee.
ENVS 5840 - Global Biogeochemical Cycles
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2020
Focuses on the cycling of elements at the global scale with a particular emphasis on human modification of biogeochemical cycles. Major biogeochemical cycles, their past dynamics, present changes and potential future scenarios will be addressed. Ecosystem to global-scale model of the earth system will be discussed, along with global-scale measurements of element fluxes from satellites, aircraft and measurement networks. Recommended prerequisite: general chemistry, some organic chemistry. Same as GEOL 5305.
GEOG 5100 - Special Topics: Geography
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Covers various topics outside of the normal curriculum; offered intermittently depending on student demand and availability of faculty. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours.
GEOL 5305 - Global Biogeochemical Cycles
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
Focuses on the cycling of elements at the global scale with a particular emphasis on human modification of biogeochemical cycles. Major biogeochemical cycles, their past dynamics, present changes and potential future scenarios will be addressed. Ecosystem to global-scale model of the earth system will be discussed along with global scale measurements of element fluxes from satellites, aircraft and measurement networks. Department enforced prerequisite: restricted to graduate students only, general chemistry and some organic chemistry. Same as ENVS 5840.
