Seth Pritchard

Seth Pritchard is a Professor and Interim Dean at the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, College of Charleston, specializing in plant physiological ecology and global environmental change impacts on forest ecosystems.

Education:

• Ph.D. from Auburn University
• B.A. from Berea College

Research Focus: Dr. Pritchard investigates carbon and nitrogen flow through the atmosphere-plant-soil microbe continuum, with emphasis on forest responses to climate change. His work integrates sustainable agriculture, hydroponics, and crop physiological ecology to address ecosystem resilience and food security challenges. This interdisciplinary approach bridges field experiments with controlled environment studies.

Publication Trends: Analysis of his 2013-2021 publications reveals sustained focus on root-mycorrhizal dynamics under elevated CO₂ and nitrogen fertilization. Key themes include fine root decomposition, carbon sequestration mechanisms, and methodological advances in root observation techniques. His research predominantly employs long-term forest experiments in temperate hardwood and loblolly pine ecosystems.

Teaching: Dr. Pritchard instructs foundational biology courses (BIOL 102, 111, 112), Environmental Plant Physiology (BIOL 304), Intro to Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENVT 200), and Values and Science of Sustainable Agriculture (HONS 381).

Advising and Grants: Specific details regarding student mentoring and grant funding were not provided in the source material.