Stephanie Yarwood

Dr. Stephanie Yarwood is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science & Technology at the University of Maryland, College Park. She holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from Oregon State University and has conducted extensive research on microbial ecology across agricultural, wetland, forest, and urban soils. Her work focuses on how disturbances like wetland restoration and agricultural practices impact microbial communities and biogeochemical cycles.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Oregon State University (2007)
• B.A. in English, Whitman College (2001)
• A.S. in Biology, Blue Mountain Community College (1998)

Research Interests: Microbial contributions to nitrogen cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon storage. She explores how land management practices influence soil microbial communities and ecosystem sustainability. Recent studies include urban soil microbiome dynamics, wetland restoration efficacy, and glyphosate effects on agroecosystems.

Publications reflect her commitment to understanding microbial roles in diverse ecosystems, with emphasis on practical applications for sustainable agriculture and wetland management. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles highlight her interdisciplinary approach.

Awards:

• 2023 Excellence in Teaching (ENST)
• 2020 Gemstone Mentor of the Year
• 2019 Paul R. Poffenberger Teaching Award
• 2008 Emil Truog Award (SSSA)

Advising spans 20+ students across graduate and undergraduate levels. She co-leads the GLUSEEN urban soil ecology network and actively integrates teaching innovations like hands-on microbial diversity exercises into curricula.

Labs and collaborations include work with the USDA-ARS and international teams studying decomposition efficiency and urban soil convergence hypotheses.