Who are we?

The Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Microbiology started as a collaborative effort between Josef Görres and José Amador in the Dept. of Natural Resources Science at the University of Rhode Island. 

People currently associated with the lab include Professor Jose Amador, Research Associate Janet Atoyan, graduate students Joe Fetter and Ed Avizinis, and undergraduate student Claire Staines. Josef, now a faculty member at the University of Vermont, continues to collaborate with us.

What do we do?

Our research spans many aspects of the ecology and microbiology of soil, water and wastewater. We are interested in understanding the interplay among microorganisms, flora and fauna, and the physical environment, and how this affects the biogeochemical processes they carry out, as well as their fate. This knowledge can be used to address a variety of contemporary environmental problems, from greenhouse gas emissions from soils to identifying the source of bacterial contamination in surface waters.

Current research projects include: 

• Integration of novel molecular and chemical bacteria source tracking methods into current water quality assessment protocols in Rhode Island
• Examination of the factors that control the fate of pathogenic bacteria and viruses in septic system leachfield soils
• Analysis of the effects of squid-based organic fertilizers on soil and water quality and soil fertility in turf
• Evaluation of the role of earthworms in production of greenhouse gases in agricultural soils
• Assessment of the effects of coffee cultivation practices on the role of earthworms in C and N cycling.
• Examination of the impact of eelgrass on retention and persistence of bacterial indicators of human fecal contamination in subaqueous soils.

On the education side our focus is on:

• Use of Problem-Based Learning in undergraduate education
• Providing experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students
• Developing online versions of face-to-face courses
• Using innovative approaches to improving student engagement in large lecture courses

To contact us:

Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Microbiology
024 Coastal Institute in Kingston
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI 02881

Voice: 401.874.2902 | Fax: 401.874.4561

E-mail: jamador@uri.edu
URL: www.uri.edu/cels/nrs/seml/index.html