Robert D. Berghage

Robert D. Berghage is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Science at Pennsylvania State University, specializing in phytoremediation, bioremediation, and green infrastructure systems for sustainable water management in agricultural and urban environments.

His research focuses on green roofs, constructed wetlands, and stormwater mitigation through plant-based solutions. Key projects include analyzing the thermal performance of green roofs under varying climates and developing water recycling systems for greenhouse operations.

Recent publications highlight his work on

• hydroponic lettuce cultivation with microbial inoculants (2022)
• snow insulation effects on green roofs (2015)
• drought-adapted stonecrop species selection (2017)

He contributes to extension programs including the Pennsylvania Gardener Selects initiative and the Medieval Garden teaching project, combining research with public outreach in horticultural education.