معرفی
A. Peyton Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M University, affiliated with the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. Their research focuses on soil carbon dynamics, particularly the interplay between physical, biological, and chemical processes in soil at micro and macro scales. They investigate how global change (climate and land use shifts) and extreme weather events affect soil microbiomes and nutrient cycling in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Key areas include soil aggregate structure, microbial ecology, and the impacts of drought/flooding on soil carbon stabilization.
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Wildland Conservation, University of Washington (2004)
- M.S. in Environmental Science, Yale University (2008)
- Ph.D. in Soil Science, University of Wisconsin (2013)
Research Interests:
Dr. Smith's work bridges molecular-scale processes (e.g., microbial-mineral interactions) with landscape-level outcomes, emphasizing tropical ecosystems and agroecosystems. They utilize advanced techniques like aeroponic systems for root exudate analysis and non-destructive soil sampling. Current projects explore canopy soil carbon dynamics, PES plantation carbon sequestration, and the effects of leaf-cutter ants on soil properties. Their lab integrates biogeochemistry with hydrology to model carbon fluxes under climate change scenarios.
Advising & Grants:
- Advises five graduate students: Harrison Coker, Jakob Denton, Daisy Gonzalez, Katherine Quinonez-Gonzalez, and Rachel Watters
- Recipient of grants from Texas A&M AgriLife Research
- Collaborates with Costa Rican institutions on tropical soil studies
Labs & Teams: Leads the Soil Carbon Dynamics Lab, part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, focusing on interdisciplinary soil science applications in agriculture and environmental management.
