Carmella Vizza

Carmella Vizza is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Science in the Department of Natural Sciences at Hawaii Pacific University, within the College of Natural and Computational Sciences. Her work integrates biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, and environmental monitoring to address critical issues in water quality, wetland conservation, and nutrient cycling.

• Institution: Hawaii Pacific University
• School: College of Natural and Computational Sciences
• Department: Department of Natural Sciences
• Position: Assistant Professor

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biogeochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 2018
• B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, 2008

Her research focuses on the interplay between microbial processes and ecosystem function in diverse environments, including Alaskan wetlands, Hawaiian loʻi and loko wai, and agricultural systems. She employs comparative field studies, experiments, and modeling to explore nitrogen fixation, methane dynamics, and the impacts of environmental change.

The recent publication trends show a strong emphasis on nitrogen fixation in inland and coastal waters, methane emissions from wetlands, and methodological improvements in soil carbon assays. Her work spans field ecology, laboratory experiments, and data synthesis, with applications to climate change, bioremediation, and sustainable land use. Keywords across her publications reflect interdisciplinary approaches combining biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, and environmental policy.

Scientific Contributions:

• Developed ecosystem monitoring programs for adaptive management in Hawaiian agroecosystems
• Assessed bioremediation using Genki balls in Kawainui
• Investigated environmental drivers of Leptospira pathogens
• Explored nitrogen fixation in switchgrass under climate variability
• Studied salmon-derived nutrient impacts on riparian ecosystems

She is actively involved in mentoring through the HUI Scholars Program and teaches courses such as Ecology Lab, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Master's Research. Her lab conducts field and lab-based research on nutrient cycling, water quality, and microbial ecology. Current and former collaborators include researchers from Michigan State University, University of Notre Dame, and NOAA.