Investigating Organic Soil Matter in the Sagebrush Ecosystem of Jonah Field, WY, Following Disturbance
Myroslav, under the mentorship of PhD candidate Damaris Chenoweth, is investigating how soil disturbances from gas development at the Jonah field affect the sagebrush ecosystem in Wyoming. His research focuses on understanding how well pad construction for hydraulic fracturing influences sagebrush regeneration— a key challenge for conservation. Read more here.
Long-term Recovery of Herbaceous Production and Plant Functional Type Composition on Reclaimed Well Pads in the Jonah Field
Jianing is investigating how aboveground net primary production (ANPP) and plant functional type composition recover over time on reclaimed gas well pads and in adjacent undisturbed areas in Jonah Field. The Jonah Field, located in the Upper Green River Basin of southwestern Wyoming, is a major site of natural gas development within dryland ecosystems, where energy infrastructure has led to long-lasting ecological disturbances that alter ecosystem carbon dynamics. Read more here.
Radiation Use Efficiency in the Western Great Plains
Aboveground net primary production (ANPP) in drylands is often estimated using the Monteith Model. This model relies on an estimation of radiation use efficiency (RUE), which is the amount of dry matter produced per unit of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation. While ANPP trends are well studied, RUE remains less explored, particularly regarding the role of photosynthetic pathways (C3, C4, CAM). Isabella’s research will determine differences in radiation use efficiency between C3 and C4 dominated systems. Read more here.