Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Natural Resources
Sustainability Certificate Coordinator
School of Natural Resources
Research at a glance
Area(s) of Expertise
Research Summary
My research examines how different conservation practices and land management strategies can improve our soils and environment. We collect soil, water, and air samples to better understand how energy and nutrients move through agricultural and forested ecosystems.
Davis’ research is centered around soil biogeochemistry in the context of ecological sustainability. The objective of his research is investigating nutrient and energy cycles in both managed and natural ecosystems. This work provides insights for improving sustainability and contributes to foundational biogeochemistry knowledge. He is particularly interested in nitrogen and carbon transformations in forested and agronomic ecosystems. Specific research interests include the following: soil greenhouse gas emissions, soil health, soil organic matter, cover crops, tillage management, nitrate leaching, microbial communities, denitrification, indirect nitrous oxide emissions, and riparian buffers.
Educational background
- Ph.D., Iowa State University, 2018
- M.S., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2013
- B.S., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2011
Courses taught
- Env SC 100: Introduction to Environmental Science
- Env SC 3250: Pollutant Fate and Transport
- SOIL 4318/7318: Environmental Soil Chemistry