We are terrestrial ecosystem ecologists focusing on the impacts of human activity for soil biogeochemistry (nutrient cycling). Nutrient cycling is a fundamental ecosystem process that sustains all forms of life. Without the recycling and movement of nutrients in soils, terrestrial life cannot be supported! Numerous human activities disrupt these important biogeochemical cycles, with heavy consequences not only for ecosystems, but also the humans that rely on them.

Much of our research focuses on the impacts of human-induced change in “extreme” ecosystems. These are ecosystems where physical factors push life to operate at the edge of their biological limitations. Currently, we focus on hot desert ecosystems including our Sonoran Desert home and polar ecosystems, including the polar deserts and tundra ecosystems in Antarctica. While the Sonoran Desert and Antarctica seem like polar opposites, they are united by their “extreme” limitations on biological processes posed by water, temperature, and UV radiation, all of which are being altered by human activities.

Our primary research focus is on belowground soil biogeochemistry, including the microbial and microscopic invertebrate communities that are responsible for these important nutrient cycling processes. We also work to understand the connectivity between soil biogeochemistry and the overlying aboveground plant and animal community.