Daryl Moorhead

Daryl Moorhead is a Professor of Ecology in the Environmental Sciences department within the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Toledo. With over three decades of academic experience since earning his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee in 1985, he has established himself as a prominent researcher in ecological systems with particular expertise in soil carbon dynamics and biogeochemical cycling.

Dr. Moorhead's educational background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee (1985), an M.S. from Texas A&M University, and a B.S. from The Ohio State University. His academic training provided the foundation for his extensive research career focusing on ecological systems and soil processes.

His research primarily centers on systems ecology with specific emphasis on soil carbon modeling, litter decomposition processes, and biogeochemical cycling. Moorhead's work explores the intricate relationships between microbial communities, enzyme activities, and nutrient cycling in various ecosystems including forests, agricultural lands, and Antarctic environments. His research has significantly contributed to understanding carbon use efficiency, eco-enzymatic stoichiometry, and the development of models that predict soil carbon dynamics under changing environmental conditions.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the interplay between carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. His work increasingly incorporates sophisticated modeling approaches to understand microbial metabolic limitations and enzyme kinetics in soil systems. A notable trend in his research is the development and refinement of the reverse Michaelis-Menten equation for better understanding decomposition processes, along with the Millennial model for soil carbon modeling that seeks measurable pools for more accurate predictions.

Professor Moorhead teaches several courses including EEES 1130 Environmental Sciences, EEES 2510 Advanced Computer Applications, EEES 6250/8250 Graduate Launch, and EEES 6600/8600 Foundations of Ecology, demonstrating his commitment to both undergraduate and graduate education in environmental sciences.