Stephen Porder

Stephen Porder is the Acacia Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology and Environment and Society at Brown University. His interdisciplinary research integrates ecology, biogeochemistry, and geology to understand terrestrial ecosystem functions, human impacts, and sustainability solutions. He directs the Porder Lab, which investigates nutrient cycling in tropical forests and climate change mitigation strategies.

Education:

• PhD, Stanford University (2005)
• MS, University of Montana (1997)
• BA, Amherst College (1994)

Research Focus: Porder's work examines how elements like nitrogen and phosphorus shape ecosystems, particularly in tropical forests. His lab studies:

• Nutrient constraints on carbon sequestration
• Plant-microbe-soil interactions
• Impacts of agricultural intensification
• Enhanced weathering for CO₂ removal
• Ecosystem recovery in secondary forests

Publication Trends: His recent articles (2019-2025) demonstrate a focus on tropical biogeochemistry, including nitrogen fixation dynamics, phosphorus cycling in agricultural systems, and carbon-nutrient interactions under climate change. Studies frequently employ field experiments, LiDAR remote sensing, and isotopic tracing across Brazilian and Costa Rican forests.

Teaching: Courses include Terrestrial Biogeochemistry (BIOL 1480), Climate Solutions (ENVS 0465), and Feeding Ten Billion (ENVS 1553), reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to environmental education.