Soil Quality & Microbiology

General Research Objectives and Interests
The overall goal of my research program is to improve and protect the environment. More specifically, my research focuses on soil quality/microbiology, climate change, and the relationship between the two.

Background
I am university distinguished professor of agronomy and co-winner of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for my work with the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. My research has been supported by more than $15 million in grants from the USDA, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and others. I have advised more than 30 graduate students and have more than 100 publications.

In addition to my involvement in research and teaching in soil microbiology at K-State, I have been active with the Soil Science Society of America, where I will serve as president in 2011. I currently serve on the National Academies Board on Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Air Quality Task Force. I also chair the Commission on Soils, Food Security and Public Health of the International Union of Soil Sciences, and am a Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America, American Society of Agronomy, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.