معرفی
William Eaton is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Pace University, based in New York City. His research focuses on tropical soil microbial ecology, particularly in Costa Rica, where he investigates the impacts of climate change, deforestation, and restoration practices on soil ecosystems. He has taught diverse courses such as General Biology, Microbial Ecology, Tropical Ecosystem Assessment, and advanced research courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
- PhD in Virology/Pathology (prior career)
- Transitioned to Soil and Tropical Ecology (~20 years)
Dr. Eaton's research centers on understanding how disturbances such as land conversion and climate extremes affect soil microbial communities and ecosystem function. His work emphasizes forest restoration in Costa Rica, including the role of specific tree species and bromeliads in rehabilitating degraded soils. He employs molecular techniques like metagenomics and DNA metabarcoding to assess microbial diversity and carbon-use efficiency in both tropical and temperate ecosystems.
His recent publications reveal a strong trend in restoration ecology, with a focus on microbial community recovery, ecosystem resilience, and biotic indicators of environmental health. His studies span from Costa Rican primary and secondary forests to the New Jersey Pine Barrens, demonstrating a broad application of ecological principles across biomes.
Although no formal scientific awards are listed in the provided text, his extensive publication record in high-impact journals reflects significant scholarly contributions to environmental and microbial ecology.
Dr. Eaton mentors students through independent study, research courses (BIO 480, BIO 490, BMB 710/711), and thesis preparation (ENS 772), indicating active involvement in guiding the next generation of scientists. While specific grants are not mentioned, his research scope suggests involvement in externally funded ecological restoration and climate impact projects.
He leads or contributes to research teams utilizing advanced genomic tools in ecological assessment, particularly in collaboration with scientists like Mehrdad Hajibabaei and Kirsten McGee. His lab likely focuses on soil metagenomics and tropical ecosystem monitoring, supporting both academic training and conservation applications.
