Current PhD Research
As a doctoral candidate I work under the supervision of Dr. Bill Tracy in the Agronomy Department. I focus on two perennial cropping systems, intermediate wheatgrass Thinopyrum intermedium (commercially known as Kernza) a cereal, and Silphium integrifolium, an oilseed. These perennial crops have been domesticated from their wild relatives rather recently, both in the early 21st century, and thus research investigation is relatively nascent, leaving questions of resource allocation and eco-physiological growth requirements open for exploration.
Perennial growth habit in Wisconsin - In both cropping systems I measure nitrogen cycling in response mineral fertilizer application rates and intercropping with legumes in order to quantify plant nutrient efficiency under sandy and loamy soil types in Wisconsin. Due to their perennial growth habit and extensive root systems, I quantify resource allocation above and below-ground in order to understand how Kernza and Silphium expend their resources during establishment phase.
Kernza's role in global food security - Additionally, I study the potential for Kernza expansion globally by simulating global light and temperature conditions in growth chambers, measuring vegetative and reproductive response and by reviewing Kernza potential to remediate soil organic carbon on marginal soils.
Master's Research
My master's research was completed under the mentorship of Dr. Matthew Ruark in the Soil Science department and the Agroecology program at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. My research focused on the synchronization of soil nitrogen mineralization and crop uptake in sandy soil. In the central sands region of Wisconsin, nitrate contamination of ground water is above the EPA allowable limit due to high-value crop production and irrigation. Spring-planted cover crops in conjunction with mineral nitrogen applications may be used to slow mineralization rates and reduce potential loss. Using in-situ mineralization cores, I quantified nitrogen mineralization rate following spring-planted cover crop termination in sweet corn cropping systems.
Fulbright Research
Prior to my graduate studies I completed a Fulbright research grant in Uruguay under the guidance of Dr. Néstor Mazzeo at the Universidad de la República. Throughout the year long fellowship I investigated the social - ecological feedback loops associated with land use change. I conducted semistructured interviews with industry representatives, farmers, and government regulators in order to parameterize the influence of the emerging soybean industry on soil loss, soil health, and social livelihoods.