Rebecca McCulley

Our lab is interested in the structure and function of grass and shrub-dominated ecosystems. We explore how human land use interacts with climate, soils, and biota in these ecosystems to impact the storage and cycling of nutrients at both local and regional spatial scales.

Examples of research questions our lab addresses:

1. How do grasslands respond to climate and land use change?

2. What are the ecosystem consequences of fungal endophyte infection in tall fescue?

3. What controls litter decomposition in aridlands?

4. How do invasive species affect grassland structure and function?

Jason Unrine

My research group investigates the environmental fate, transport and ecotoxicology of trace-elements and engineered nanomaterials. Much of our research focuses on the transformations and impacts of trace-elements and nanomaterials in terrestrial and wetland environments. We have developed tools that utilize advanced analytical, imaging and spectroscopic techniques to investigate the environmental transformations, bioavailability, bioaccumulation, trophic transfer and maternal transfer of these contaminants. We relate this information to adverse organismal effects with population level relevance. Working closely with Dr. Olga Tsyusko, we also use ecotoxicogenomics tools to help elucidate the biochemical mechanisms of contaminant bioaccumulation and adverse effects. Our work with nanomaterials focuses on how the properties of nanomaterials relate to their bioavailability and adverse effects and how these properties change in the environment. We also work in the area of environmental health focusing on human exposure to trace-elements in support of epidemiology studies being conducted by the Markey Cancer Center and collaborate with scientists and engineers working to develop cost effective contaminant source reduction and waste handling techniques for mining. We frequently collaborate with outside researchers and have helped address a wide array of problems in trace-element biology, geology and chemistry.

Research Opportunities in the PSS Department

Many of our faculty offer opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student research. Funding for these projects varies. To see current openings, please visit the posting board.