Urszula Norton

Dr. Urszula Norton is a Professor of Agroecology and Biogeochemistry in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Wyoming. She also holds adjunct appointments at Utah State University’s Department of Plant, Soil and Climate, and the University of Wyoming’s Program in Ecology. Her roles include faculty fellow at the UW Summer High School Institute and collaborations with international institutions in Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and beyond.

Dr. Norton earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Horticulture from Warsaw Agricultural University (Poland), followed by additional Master’s degrees in Agronomy and Forestry from Iowa State University and the University of Montana. She completed her Ph.D. in Soil Biochemistry at Utah State University and held postdoctoral positions at USDA-ARS and the University of Wyoming.

Her research focuses on agroecological principles, sustainable food production, and the impacts of environmental disturbances on ecosystem resilience. Key areas include nitrogen and carbon cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil health in agroecosystems. She actively investigates Conservation Agriculture Production Systems (CAPS) for smallholder farms and the effects of climate variability on ecosystem services.

Her recent work includes studies on bark beetle outbreaks’ long-term effects on forest biogeochemistry, compost application in dryland wheat systems, and remote sensing for invasive species management. Her publications span over three decades, with a focus on biogeochemical cycles and sustainable agricultural practices.

• Awards: 2019 Outstanding Educator Award and 2015 Outstanding Adviser Award from the University of Wyoming College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
• Advising: Mentored 14 graduate students (9 PhD, 5 MS) and postdoctoral researchers like Lisa Ashton-Philander. Current advisees include Tina Helseth, Chloe Mattilio, and Brenna Litynski.
• Grants & Collaborations: Leads projects funded by USDA and international partners, including work in Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana.

Dr. Norton’s lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating soil science, ecology, and agricultural systems analysis. She is a key member of the ACRES Student Farm advisory board and collaborates with global researchers to advance climate-smart agriculture.