PI: Andrew Kulmatiski
Even as a little kid, I loved digging holes. I've known since AP Biology that I wanted to learn about soils.
I studied biology and chemistry at Colby College, forest soils at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, and invasive plants and soils at Dartmouth and Utah State University.
Decades later, we still have a lot to learn about soils and plant-soil interactions.
There is a lot of job security in soils!
If I am not studying soils, I am probably on my bike or tied to a rope.
Current members
These guys are keeping busy running two projects in northern UT, as well as tracer experiments in southern UT, CA/NV, and MT.
PhD student
Ryan Sandfort
From Arizona and Washington, Ryan recently completed his BA at USU and continued working in our lab as a MS and now PhD student. Ryan has been applying his statistical skills to analyzing soil microbial genetics data, but his research will focus on water use patterns along elevation gradients in UT, CA/NV, and MT.
MS student
Faraz Rehman
Straight from Pakistan, Faraz has been attacking water use research. Faraz has been helping with field work in southern Utah but will be analyzing root water uptake data from an extensive dataset we developed over eight years in Kruger National Park, South Africa
MS student
Lilly Gordon
Coming from Detroit via Alabama and Colorado, Lilly has quickly become the glue holding this lab together. Lilly is focusing on how root plasticity affects water uptake for now - but who knows where she will end up!
Joining the lab
I am always interested in working with new students but do not currently have funding to support new students. If you are interested in pursuing your own funding with me, please reach out by email.
Past students
Julia Aaronson, USU (MS, 2021-2023; Native forb restoration)
Martin Holdrege, USU (PhD, 2016-2022; Ecohydrology)
Leslie Forero, USU (PhD, 2014-2020; Plant-soil feedbacks)
Mehmet Ozturk, USU (MS, 2015-2019; Desertification)
Robert Fenwick, USU (MNR; 2016-2019; Apple agriculture)
Rebecca Tobin, USU (MS 2014-2016; Plant Physiology)
Ryan Berry, USU (MS 2014-2016; Ecohydrology)
Michael Mazzacavallo, UAA (MS 2010-2012; Ecohydrology)
