James Cotner

James Cotner is a Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior at the University of Minnesota's College of Biological Sciences. His research focuses on microbial metabolism in aquatic environments and its impact on biogeochemical cycles, particularly examining carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus dynamics in lakes, ponds, and streams.

• Specializes in microbial ecology and biogeochemistry
• Studies greenhouse gas production (CO2, CH4, N2O) by microbes
• Applies ecological stoichiometry framework to ecosystem processes
• Investigates both pelagic and benthic habitats in natural/human-impacted systems