Education :
Ph.D., 1993, Auburn University (Agronomy & Soils)
MS, 1986, North Carolina State University (Crop Science)
BS, 1980, North Carolina State University (Wildlife Biology)

Professional Experience:
2003-present : Affiliate Associate Professor, Agronomy & Soils
1999-present : Affiliate Associate Professor, School of Forestry & Wildlife Sci.
1996-present : Plant Physiologist USDA-ARS NSDL
1993-2003 : Affiliate Assistant Professor, Agronomy & Soils
1993-1996 : Post Doctorate USDA-ARS NSDL

Professional Activities:
My assignment is that of a Plant Physiologist in theUSDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Laboratory (NSDL), Auburn, AL. The mission of NSDL is to develop knowledge to manage soil for sustainable and profitable agricultural production, and includes the relationship of agriculture to global environmental change. NSDL contributes to the Agency's global change initiative, which includes both agroecosystems and natural ecosystems such as forests and rangelands. My assignment is geared toward reducing uncertainty regarding: (1) the effects of rising atmospheric CO₂ concentration on crop production and food security, and (2) the role of agroecosystems in the sequestration of atmospheric CO₂ by soil. Specifically, my assignment focuses on: effects of atmospheric CO₂ concentration on plant physiology, biomass allocation patterns, residue quality, the root system (distribution and function), soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, and related soil phenomena. My approach is to conceptualize the role that plant canopy responses to CO₂ enrichment may have in belowground processes and thereby develop a body of experimental evidence sufficient to develop and test relevant hypotheses. Results will provide knowledge on the impacts of global environmental change on plants. Insights on plant response to atmospheric CO₂ concentration, belowground processes in CO₂ enriched agricultural ecosystems, and novel approaches to studying plant roots are expected. Major contributions will have significance not only to the global environment, but also to increasing the productive capacity and viability of the American farmer. Findings will add to the knowledge base necessary to understand and modify existing agricultural production systems for adaption to future conditions. Further, information generated can be used by public and private laboratories to refine their basic research. Such knowledge is essential to agriculture, the environment, and in making public policy.