Education :
Ph.D., 2004, University of Wisconsin-Madison (Soil Chemistry)
MS, 1999, Texas A&M University (Soil Chemistry)
BS, 1995, Texas A&M University (Bioenvironmental Sciences)

Professional Experience:
2007: Assistant Professor, Auburn University
2004: Research Associate, University of Wisconsin-Madison (Nutritional Sciences)

Professional Activities:
My research program focuses on trace element chemistry in soil, water, and plants.

• Environmental fate of trace elements (e.g., As, Cd, Cr, and Pb) in soil and water environment: Many trace elements are added to the soil via agricultural practices to control pathogens and weeds, but persist in the environment. We seek to understand transformations that influence the long-term fate and hazards of these applied agrochemicals. The effect of plants on trace element chemistry is also of interest for their potential to remediate and/or stabilize contaminated soils.
• Plant nutrition: Calcium is critical for peanut seed germination. We are working to understand the relationships between soil and seed calcium and relationships between seed calcium and peanut germination and vigor.