Aaron Thompson

Aaron Thompson is a Professor of Environmental Soil Chemistry in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on microscale microbial and geochemical processes influencing ecosystem functions in soils, sediments, and waters, with particular emphasis on redox processes in terrestrial systems and disequilibrium conditions at biogeochemical interfaces.

Dr. Thompson's program integrates soil chemistry, biogeochemistry, and environmental science to address fundamental questions and environmental challenges. Key areas include iron cycling dynamics, soil organic carbon stabilization, and microscale processes driving macroscale ecosystem behavior. His work spans molecular-scale mineral transformations to global-scale biogeochemical patterns, with applications in carbon sequestration, soil health assessment, and wetland restoration. Current methodologies emphasize advanced analytical techniques like Mössbauer spectroscopy and interdisciplinary collaboration across environmental sciences.

Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong thematic focus on iron-mediated carbon-phosphorus interactions, redox-driven greenhouse gas dynamics, and wetland biogeochemistry. Research demonstrates how moisture regimes, soil depth, and mineral transformations govern carbon storage and nutrient cycling, with implications for climate change mitigation. Methodological innovations include AI-powered soil sensors and models for predicting carbon storage under warming scenarios in tropical soils.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Donald L. Sparks Distinguished Lectureship in Soil Chemistry (2025)

Dr. Thompson leads the UGA Environmental Soil Chemistry Lab, directing research on redox processes and mineral-organic interactions. His collaborative approach involves partnerships across earth sciences, environmental engineering, and agricultural disciplines. While specific grant details were not provided, his extensive publication record in high-impact journals indicates sustained research funding. The lab actively trains graduate students in advanced soil chemistry techniques, though individual student names were not documented in available sources.

Operational infrastructure includes the UGA Environmental Soil Chemistry Lab and participation in the 'Soils at UGA' initiative. Research teams employ interdisciplinary approaches combining field sampling, controlled laboratory experiments, and computational modeling to investigate redox transitions and their ecosystem consequences. Current projects examine coastal wetland mineral dynamics, tropical soil carbon responses to warming, and abiotic catalysis mechanisms in phosphorus cycling.