Jennifer Follstad Shah

Jennifer Follstad Shah, PhD, is Associate Professor in the School of Environment, Society & Sustainability at the University of Utah and serves as Associate Director of the Environmental Studies & Sustainability (ENVST) program. She is an ecosystem ecologist whose research integrates freshwater and riparian ecology, microbial biogeochemistry, and global change science to inform water-quality management and restoration.

Education & Training:

• BA, Political Science, University of Wisconsin–Madison (1995)
• PhD, Biology, University of New Mexico (2006)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Duke University (2006–2008)

Research Focus: Jennifer investigates how global environmental changes—such as nutrient loading, altered hydrology, and climate warming—alter microbial community dynamics and ecosystem processes in rivers, riparian zones, and urban green infrastructure. Specific themes include leaf-litter decomposition, nutrient immobilization, stoichiometry of microbial carbon use efficiency, and the design of green infrastructure to maximize ecosystem services.

Publication Trends: Her >30 peer-reviewed works reveal a trajectory from foundational microbial enzyme studies to global-scale syntheses. Recent articles emphasize stormwater green-infrastructure performance, global decomposition patterns, and invasive-species management, reflecting a shift toward actionable science for environmental management.

Awards & Honors:

• Top research award, College of Social & Behavioral Science, University of Utah
• Scientific and Technological Achievement Award, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Beacons of Excellence Award for teaching, University of Utah
• Advancing Equity and Connecting Communities Award, University of Utah

Grants & Projects: Current funding includes NSF awards on green-infrastructure nitrogen cycling (2020–2024) and the Sustainability Innovation Engine for the Southwest (2024–2026), as well as Smithsonian support for urban-watershed biogeochemistry.

Affiliations & Service: She is an affiliate of the Global Change and Sustainability Center (GCSC) and sits on the executive committee of PEAK Water at the University of Utah. She also serves on Utah state technical and legislative advisory committees for riparian protection.