Alexandra Contosta

Alexandra Contosta is a Research Associate Professor at the Earth Systems Research Center (ESRC) of the University of New Hampshire. She teaches courses in Arctic research methods (MARI 802/902), environmental science (NR 403), soils (NR 501), and biogeochemistry (NR 744/844). Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from UNH, an M.S. in Conservation Biology from Antioch New England, and dual B.A. degrees in French and Philosophy from Villanova University.

• Ph.D., Environmental Science, University of New Hampshire
• M.S., Conservation Biology, Antioch New England
• B.A., French, Villanova University
• B.A., Philosophy, Villanova University

Contosta's research focuses on biogeochemical processes in temperate and Arctic ecosystems, emphasizing soil ecology, microbial community dynamics, and climate change impacts. Her work explores nitrogen cycling, carbon fluxes, and the interplay between vegetation and soil systems under environmental stressors like warming and nitrogen enrichment.

Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding snow refugia in forest canopies, permafrost pore structure effects on microbial diversity, and sustained soil carbon fluxes under combined warming and nitrogen enrichment. Her studies span winter ecology, subnivium arthropod communities, and rhizosphere mineral-organic interactions.