Water

June 5, 2020

Morgan P. Davis

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,…

Sep. 27, 2018

Robin M. Rotman

Educational background J.D. Law, Yale Law School, 2009 M.S. Water Science, Policy, and Management, Oxford University, 2005 B.S. Geology, Sewanee: The University of the South, 2004…

Jan. 10, 2018

Robert Sharp

Sharp is a Chancellor’s Professor and Curators’ Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Plant Sciences at the University of Missouri (MU). He received his BS and Ph.D. (with Bill Davies) degrees from Lancaster University in the UK, and after postdoctoral work at the University of Illinois-Urbana (with John Boyer) and the University of California-Davis (with Ted Hsiao and Wendy Silk), joined the faculty at MU in 1986. His research career has emphasized the physiology of plant adaptation to water deficits (drought), with a primary focus on mechanisms of root growth regulation in maize (corn). In May 2021 he served as Chair of…

Jan. 10, 2018

Kelly Nelson

Educational background Ph.D. Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University…

Dec. 15, 2017

Jeffrey Wood

Wood’s research focuses on ecosystem science and the exchanges of gases and heat between the biosphere and atmosphere. There is specific emphasis on better understanding the factors controlling fluxes of carbon, water, and nitrogen between natural or managed systems and the atmosphere. Educational background Ph.D., University of Guelph MASc, Dalhousie University BSc, Mount Allison University Courses taught ATM_SC 4400/7400: Microclimatology ATM_SC 4520/7520: Environmental Biophysics FOREST 2340: Tree Physiology FOREST 8620: Plant Water Relations…

Dec. 15, 2017

Joanna (Jodi) Whittier

Whittier focuses on applied research typically at landscape scales to assess habitat condition and the association between condition and community composition. She works collaboratively with stakeholders from across the U.S. to identify conservation opportunities based on current and future conditions. Educational background Ph.D., Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology, Oklahoma State University…

Dec. 15, 2017

Ranjith Udawatta

The primary objective of Udawatta’s research is to quantify environmental benefits of agroforestry. Currently, he is conducting research on influences of agroforestry, grass buffer, and other conservation practices on water and soil quality. In addressing this issue he is examining how trees and grasses change surface and subsurface water quality by reducing runoff, nutrients and sediment when integrated in rowcrop agriculture and grazing management. Changes in soil physical properties, soil water dynamics, and competition for resources, root length density, nutrient accumulation, and microclimate are evaluated to examine soil and water benefits of these practices. Soil carbon sequestration and prairie restoration…

Dec. 15, 2017

Michael C. Stambaugh

Prior to becoming a scientist, Stambaugh worked as a forester for private industry and the federal government. Since 2010, his forestry research has received over $8 million in grant funding. He collaborates with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, and multiple state natural resources organizations. He has been a National Geographic Explorer since 2010 and in 2023 was a Charles Bullard Fellow in Forest Research at Harvard Forest. Educational background Ph.D., University of Missouri Courses taught Forest Ecology Forest Health Advanced Forest Ecology…

Dec. 15, 2017

Craig P. Paukert

Paukert is the Leader of the US Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit in the School of Natural Resources. His research is in collaboration with state and federal agencies to help them with their research needs related to climate change adaptation strategies for fish and fisheries, conservation and management of large river fishes, and stream fish conservation at the local and landscape scale. Paukert has a Ph.D. from South Dakota State University, an M.S. from Oklahoma State University, and a B.S. From the University of Minnesota. Prior to arriving at MU in 2010, he worked with USGS…

Dec. 15, 2017

Rebecca North

Research in the North group is focused on addressing the question: What controls algal biomass of inland waters? North’s team focuses on the effects of multiple stressors on nutrient cycling, bioavailability, and primary production in Missouri water bodies with particular attention to the source and timing of nutrient loading and the response of the receiving water body. Ecosystem stressors include, but are not limited to: climate change, landscape modification (i.e., agricultural, urban, and industrial applications), eutrophication, and invasive species (i.e., zebra mussels). North’s research is conceptually driven and applies field, lab, and quantitative approaches to studying issues in watershed and…