Profile

The goal of my project is to determine the relationship between the degree of cropping system sustainability and key soil health variables.

My research focuses on soil health through the use of remote sensing, enabling real-time assessment of soil conditions and nutrient needs. Additionally, I investigate the use of cover crops to evaluate their impact on improving soil health and sustainability.

My research interest revolves around assessing soil health and fertility, with the aim of developing and implementing effective management and conservation strategies in agricultural crop production system. Through the promotion practices that increases crop yield, while enhancing soil resilience and sustainability, thereby ensuring long-term productivity of agroecosystems.

My primary research is on soil carbon sequestration and dynamics with the thesis focused on studying the long-term impact of tillage and crop rotation on soil carbon sequestration and permanence. Before joining Dr. Armstrong's lab, I did my MS from South Dakota State University with research focused on soil health.

My Ph.D. research examines watershed-scale nutrient loss dynamics in sustainably intensified agricultural landscapes using hydrological modeling and real-time water quality assessment. By reducing runoff losses through effective cover crop conservation planning, this work seeks to improve nutrient use efficiency, enhance soil health and water quality, and increase farmer profitability through optimized resource management.

My research focuses on nitrogen recovery in corn following the decomposition of cover crop residue and the economic benefits of integrating cover crops into corn production systems. I grew up on a family farm in western Illinois, where we primarily grow corn and soybeans, and I remain actively involved in the operation today. Over the past three years, I earned an associate degree from Carl Sandburg College and a bachelor's degree in Agronomy Management from Illinois State University. Upon completing my master's degree, I plan to pursue a career as a field agronomist within the Midwest corn belt region. Outside of my professional interests, I enjoy traveling with my fiancée, spending time with family, and staying connected to the agricultural community.