Area of Expertise: Agroecology, soil health, organic nutrient management, biological control of pathogens, metals contamination

Education:

• PhD, Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry, Washington State University
• MS, Agroecology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• BS, Environmental Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Research program: 

The primary goal of my research program is to support the continued growth and long-term sustainability of local food production systems. To accomplish this goal, my lab studies soil microbial ecology. Soil microbial communities regulate many key agroecosystem services such as making essential nutrients like nitrogen available for plant uptake, and reducing the bioavailability and uptake of toxic heavy metals like cadmium, which harm plant and human health. Some soil microbes can also interact closely with plants to help them acquire nutrients and water, and withstand assault by pathogens that cause diseases in crops and humans. Consequently, by learning more about how the composition and functional capacity of soil microbial communities evolve and proliferate in crop production systems, it will be possible to leverage beneficial plant-soil-microbial relationships to improve the productivity, quality and safety of crops. At the same time, leveraging these relationships will reduce reliance on agrochemical inputs, increasing farm profitability and protecting environmental health. 

Additional insights about my research, teaching and engagement activities and all the people contributing to these efforts can be found on the Hoagland Lab Website: www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/hoaglandlab.