People

Fall 2024 Group. Missing:  Jose Banegas Blanco, Neha Chatterjee; Chase Kasmerchak; Katie Indorante; Rut Felix Moncion; Ezra Moses; Katharine Wiley; Finnleigh Woodings

Dr. Andrew Margenot  Principal Investigator (PI) CV (July 2024)
Associate Professor, Department of Crop Sciences, UIUC
Editor in Chief, Geoderma
Section Editor, Plant and Soil
Associate Editor, European Journal of Soil Science
Associate Editor, Farming Systems

Director, Alma Mater Plots (est. 2023)
Director, Morrow Plots (est. 1876)
Associate Director & Founding Member, Agroecosystem Sustainability Center, UIUC
Affiliate Faculty, Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, UIUC
Affiliate Faculty, Center for Digital Agriculture, UIUC
Affiliate Faculty, Center for African Studies, UIUC

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Dr. Shengnan Zhou Research scientist
My research interests include soil erosion and degradation in intensively managed landscapes, particularly focusing on C and P dynamics. I am currently working to determine Illinois soil legacy P using archived historical soil samples to evaluate agricultural management effects on P losses and investments in P loss reduction strategies.

Dr. Chongyang (Oliver) Li Research scientist
I have been trained as an environmental chemist and had experience with multiple elements/substances in soils regarding their application, function, and/or remediation, including biochar, heavy metals (As and Cd), radioisotopic P (32P and 33P) and enzymes. At UIUC, I mainly focus on using isotopes to trace the uptake of N, P and S from soils/fertilizers by plants, and linking them with corresponding soil enzyme assays to better understand nutrient cycling processes in soils.

Dr. Chammi Attanayake Research scientist
I study biogeochemical transformations of contaminants and nutrients in soils. Most of my research is related to studying speciation and bioavailability of trace elements in urban soils and transformations of phosphorus in submerged soils. At UIUC, I have the opportunity to extend my research to study soil enzyme activity for soil health assessments, which would make the path for me to understand transformations in soils more comprehensively. In my leisure time, I watch movies and read books. I love to travel with my family and try different food.

Dr. Suwei Xu Research Scientist
My current research focuses on the phosphorus biogeochemical cycle in the environment, especially on the distribution and speciation of P in the soil environment with different agricultural management or land use. My major interest is in how different soil forming factors (i.e., climate, parent material, vegetation, etc.) or activities (i.e., deforestation, invasive species) affect the Pi and Po speciation and movement and what are the possible environment responses.

Dr. Eric Potash Senior Research scientist
A mathematician by training, Dr. Potash is supporting the re-sampling of the >400 pedons originally sampled in the Illinois soil survey initiated in 1899, and leads an evaluation of increasing sensitivity of soil organic and inorganic carbon measurements.

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Dr. Chase Kasmerchak Post-doc
My formal training is in soil science and ecosystem ecology and my research interests broadly include how land management and disturbance affect biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem function. I have worked on a wide variety of research projects in the past, including how soil morphology and carbon dynamics respond to millennial-scale vegetation change, how future changes to lake-effect snow and forest composition may affect soil methane uptake, and how the genetic diversity of trembling aspen and disturbance history influence biogeochemical cycling. At UIUC, I will be working on a variety of projects using stable and radioactive carbon isotope data to understand how vegetation and land management history affect soil carbon cycling. Outside of research, you can find me on the dance floor supporting local Chicago house music

Dr. Laura Ferron Independent researcher
My roots are in Bretagne, France where I trained as a plant biologist and an agronomist. In 2018, I moved to the Netherlands and started working on the nitrogen and phosphorus biogeochemical cycles of intensively managed grasslands. I focused on how these cycles were impacted by plant and soil biology as well as emerging circular fertilizers such as struvite. In 2024, I completed my PhD at Wageningen University and Research (the Netherlands). With the Soil Lab of UIUC, I continue to explore the big questions that relate to the use of struvite as a fertilizer.

Ezra Moses Lead ecologist and data scientist
My work is motivated by the stories we can uncover from agricultural soil data to help build a more sustainable and equitable food system. I am interested in using statistical and visual techniques to facilitate understanding of soil processes by researchers and farmers alike, with main topics of interest including soil nutrient management and cover crops.

Dr. Jing Lyu Post-doc
I have been involved in various research projects, gaining expertise in soil carbon sequestration and biochar degradation. Currently, my research focuses on soil biogeochemistry, nutrient cycling, and soil health, emphasizing isotope-labeled fertilizers to track nitrogen cycling in crop rotations.

Dr. Yuhei Nakayama Post-doc
Yuhei seeks to understand soil nutrient dynamics in both natural and agricultural systems through the use of various biogeochemical tools. Current topics of interest include soil enzymes, soil phosphorus dynamics, and volcanic soils.

Michael Douglass Head field technician
I thoroughly enjoy working as a research tech in the field environment and trying to tame down the variables which accompany it. I’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional people along the way and gain experience in a range of settings: from agroforestry, fruit & vegetable production, cover crops, corn/soy farming, and weed management.

Taylor Berkshire-Akers Lab manager & Head lab technician
As part of my duties as lab manager and head lab technician, I oversee the operations of the wet labs and coordinate multiple research projects with field and lab components. I focus on cover crops (seeding rates, different ways of seeding, and grazing) and their role in nutrient cycling, specifically nitrogen. Research aside, I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to podcasts, renovating my house, and spending time outside (when it’s warm).

Kato Ssentamu  Research technician
Kato earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness in 2015. He joins the soils lab from the Sustainable Systems lab, for which he has spent nearly a decade working as lab assistant. Kato grew up outside of Kampala, Uganda, and continues to manage a family farm in Africa growing corn, sugarcane, coffee, and plantains. Kato works part-time as a Field Technician for IntelinAir, a local startup company that develops agricultural analytics based on Aerial imagery. Kato is interested in growing his business and helping ensure global food security. Hobbies include barbeques, bonfires, and watching soccer.

Sara Eldessouky Research Technician
I have been working on improving crop quality, quantity, and abiotic stress tolerances. I am gaining new experiences now and enjoying my time after joining the soil lab recently. I also like reading, cooking and spending time outdoors.

Guadalupe González Delgado Research technician
I hold a bachelor’s degree in environmental and development engineering from Zamorano Pan-American Agricultural School in Honduras. My work primarily centers on field activities, including biomass collection, soil sampling, and greenhouse gas (GHG) measurements. My passion lies in researching how human actions and natural processes shape soil, influencing its pedogenesis. Understanding these impacts is vital for sustainable land management. Beyond work, I find joy in training, watching movies, exploring new places, and immersing myself in the great outdoors.

Luke Bergschneider On-farm research and outreach specialist
I graduated from Western Illinois University with my bachelor’s degree in 2022 and U of I with my MS in 2024,. My research focuses on contextualizing soil nutrient loads and calculating balances for fields in Illinois under best management practices. I look forward to applying what I learn to my family’s farm in central Illinois. Outside of the lab I enjoy hunting and fishing, following the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues, reading, and spending time with my family and friends.

Ivanellis Rodriguez-Torres Research technician
I am currently a research lab technician focusing mainly on soil enzymes. My specific research interests is in understanding how anthropogenic factors impact soil health by identifying and improving methods for soil health assessments. I completed my bachelor degree at the University of Puerto Rico in Cayey and a Master’s in Plant Biology from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. On my spare time I enjoy immersing myself in a good book, the arts, or practicing obedience training with my dog.

Grecia Romero Rosales Research Technician
I have a bachelor’s degree in Environment and Development Engineering and work as a research technician collecting data on biomass, greenhouse gases and soil from soybean and corn fields. I am originally from Soyapango, El Salvador. In my free time I enjoy going out with friends, reading, drawing and painting.

Simón Giraldo Trujillo Research Technician
Simón is working on run-off losses of sediment and phosphorus under varying tillage, cover crop and P fertilizer timing and source treatments.

Robert Yanes Buezo Research Technician
Robert is supporting multiple projects, including assessment of streambank erosion in Illinois.

Lenarth Ferrari Noll Research technician
I am a research lab technician, focused on phosphorus analysis and sample processing in the soil archive project (100-year-old soil heritage in Illinois). My research experience centers on the biogeochemical processes that drive phosphorus accumulation and spatial statistical analysis. Over the past three years, I have worked in Dr. Mark David’s biochemistry lab, Dr. Jennifer Fraterrigo’s water quality lab, and Dr. Andrew Margenot’s soil lab, gaining experience in laboratory procedures, field data collection, and statistical analysis using tools like R and GIS software. I am passionate about sustainable agriculture and soil health, which drives my professional and academic goals toward conducting more research to better understand phosphorus dynamics in soil.

Jake Jagiello Research technician
I graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. I now work as a research technician at the lab, studying greenhouse gas emissions from soil processes in an agricultural setting. I’m passionate about soil research, as well as working to reduce the impacts of our current food system. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, hiking/exploring new natural areas, practicing plant identification, and watching movies.

Rut Félix Monción Research technician
I hold a degree in Agricultural Production and Agribusiness from Escuela Agricola Panamericana Zamorano. Currently, I am supporting research on sediment and phosphorus runoff losses under various tillage treatments, cover crops, and phosphorus fertilizers, considering the timing and source of application. I am assisting in studies related to water quality and nutrient losses. My aim is to understand how management practices influence nitrogen and phosphorus losses through erosion, runoff, and leaching.

Jorge Serrano Research technician
I completed my bachelor’s program in Environment and Development in Agriculture at Zamorano, and then earned my master’s degree in Horticulture and Natural Resources from Kansas State University. I have always considered environmentally friendly practices to be of utmost importance, so all my research interests revolve around this idea. My most recent research focused on streambank stabilization, measuring erosion levels, runoff, and habitat quality in water. I’m excited to continue learning more about these topics in this new adventure of my life.

Moe Saqi Research technician
I am a research analyst with an extensive background in analytical chemistry instruments. I completed my undergraduate and master’s at the University of Wyoming. I have a wide variety of research interests which include chemistry, data science, physiology and molecular biology. During this period, I honed my skills in soil and water analytical analysis. Additionally, I am also a trained molecular lab tech. In my personal time, I enjoy going for walks and reading books.

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Graduate Students

Neha Chatterjee PhD candidate
I am working on evaluation of the agronomic and environmental impact of a waste-recovered slow release Phosphorus fertilizer struvite. Essentially I am looking at cover crops and mycorrhizae as biological mechanisms to improve the P availability. Outside the lab, I enjoy TED Talks, classic literature and contemporary science fiction.

Rosa Elena Ibarra López PhD candidate
I am working in quantifying contextual linkages between soil health and crop nitrogen availability in agricultural systems through the assessment of soil mineralogy and nitrogen synchrony analyses. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, watching tv shows and movies, listening to new music, dancing, reading and meeting new places.

Mariana Gómez Botero PhD candidate
My research focuses on the fascinating world of water quality and nutrient losses! Specifically, I seek to understand how best management practices, such as no-tillage, cover cropping, and fertilizer source and timing, impact N and P losses through erosion, runoff, and leaching. By understanding these complex interactions, I aim to contribute to the achievement of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) long-term goal and minimize the contribution of Illinois agricultural systems to the Gulf of Mexico. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my cat, reading, hiking and practicing yoga.

Finnleigh Woodings  PhD student
My interests include spectroscopy and mechanisms of SOC stabilization with a focus on biomimetic assays of labile C. I am also working on biophysical assessments of sustainability in the multi-state USDA-NIFA Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) project, #DiverseCornBelt. Outside of lab I can be found reading in my hammock or hiking.

Heidi Allen Asensio   PhD student
I graduated with a B.Sc. in Environment and Development Engineering from Escuela Agrícola Panamericana Zamorano, Honduras. My research focuses of developing accurate nutrient management principles to optimize coffee yield and quality for smallholders in south-central Guatemala, my home country. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities, drinking coffee (of course) and spending time with family and friends.

Natacha de Gracia Fuentes PhD student
My research focuses on studying nutrient use efficiency from field to watershed scale bridging nitrogen budgets to understand nitrogen cycling and the effects of farm management and environmental context on the improvement of crop production and water quality. My place of origin is Panamá, and I earned my bachelor’s degree in environmental and development engineering from Zamorano Pan-American Agricultural School, Honduras. I enjoy spending time outdoors, practicing yoga, reading, and listening to books.

Pei Chen Lee PhD student
I am interested in nutrient cycling, especially C, N, and P. I am currently working on the Salk project, exploring the relationship between SOC and soybean roots. In my free time, I enjoy playing table tennis, swimming or cycling. I also love watching movie series.

Adriana Reconco Martínez PhD student
I was born and raised in Honduras. In 2023, I graduated with a B.Sc. in Environmental and Development Engineering from the Escuela Agricola Panamericana Zamorano, and I am currently pursuing my master’s degree. My research aims to comprehend soil carbon storage and the dynamics of carbon stock changes, particularly inorganic carbon, utilizing UIUC’s 150-year soil archive. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, engaging in outdoor activities, hanging out with friends and family, and having a good cup of coffee accompanied by great music.

Ankita A. Sawant PhD student
I graduated with a B.S. in Biology from the University of Wyoming in 2020, and a M.S. in Environmental and Conservation Sciences from North Dakota State University in 2023. I am interested in plant-fungal-soil interactions with a focus on the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and soil nutrient cycling. My research focuses on the interaction between different varieties of coffee and AMF. Outside of the lab, I enjoy listening to music, spending time with friends, hiking and watching movies.

Katharine Wiley PhD student
My research focuses on meandering river dynamics and their implications for nutrient loading in Illinois. I am co-advised within both the Department of Geography & GIS and the Department of Crop Sciences. Originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, I hold a B.S. in Geology from Lafayette College and an M.S. in Geology from the University of Delaware. In my free time, I enjoy reading, exploring new walking trails, spending time with friends and family, and rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies.

Javier Enrique Taracena Aldana MS student
I am interested in learning about laboratory analytic processes, soil management and health so that Iater on I can apply my knowledge in Guatemala, my home country, and help other producers to ensure the well-being of their soils. In my free time I enjoy doing any kind of sports with friends, hangout with my family and close my afternoons with a good cup of coffee.

Katherine Castañeda Henríquez MS student

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Undergraduate Students & Interns

Alberto Manuel Dominguez Melendez Intern (Zamorano University)
I’m an undergraduate student in Environmental Engineering and Development at the Pan-American Agricultural School Zamorano, located in Honduras. I’m currently completing my internship, where I work on measuring greenhouse gas emissions in soybeans and corn, as well as conducting various analyses focused on soil health. I am originally from Mejicanos, El Salvador, and I am passionate about learning. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports such as volleyball and basketball.

Montse Mejia Sandoval Intern (Zamorano University)
I’m originally from El Salvador and I’m an undergraduate student of environmental and development engineering at the University of Zamorano, Honduras. I’m currently doing my internship where I assist in data collection to quantify soil erosion, nitrogen and phosphorus runoff and leaching losses. I enjoy hanging out with friends, watching movies, laughing and playing volleyball.

Rodrigo Eduardo Mendoza Martinez Intern (Zamorano University)
I was born and raised in El Salvador. I am currently majoring in Environmental and Development Engineering at the Pan American Agricultural School Zamorano. As part of my final year, I am doing an internship where I assist in ongoing projects related to determining the extent to which mineralogy influences soil Nitrogen availability by conducting multiple field samplings and soil processing. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports such as soccer, watching TV shows, and listening to all kinds of music.

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Gone but not forgotten…

Luke Bergschneider MS student (2022-2024). Now: Soils Lab on-farm research and outreach specialist

Carlos Murillo Research technician (2022-2024)

Max Roman Undergrad research assistant (2021 – 2024)

Elaine Guel Undergrad research assistant (2023 – 2024)

Allison Altschuler Research Technician (2023 – 2024)

Maia Rothman Research Technician (2021 – 2024)  

Dr. Annie Irshad  Post-doc (2022-2023) Now: University of Nottingham, UK

Benjamin Hubbell Undergrad research assistant (2023)

Crystal Alexander Part-time hourly (2023)

Dr. Jeonggu Lee Postdoc (2022-2023). Now professor (South Korea).

Sarah Shoaff Undergrad research assistant (2021-2022)

Dr. Jasdeep Singh. Postdoc (2022-2023). Now postdoc at Cornell University.

Jessica Hendrickson Undergrad research assistant and ELIAS Fellow (2021-2023).

Bri Gates Research technician (2018-2020) and MS student (2021-2023). Now at Piatt Co. SWCD.

Shawn Arreguin Undergrad research assistant (2021-2023). Now PhD student at University of Illinois Chicago

Dr. Sajjad Raza Postdoc (2022-2023). Now postdoc at University of Nottingham, UK.

Dr. Michele Duarte de Menezes‎ Visiting Professor, Universidade Federal de Lavras (2022-2023)

Marcelo Henrique Procópio Pelegrino Visiting PhD student, Universidade Federal de Lavras (2022)

Dr. Nan Li Post-doc (2021-2023)

Rachel Daughtridge  Research Technician (2019-2022). Now research scientist at EPA Region 5.

Noah Bell  Undergrad research assistant, 2021

Sanchez Rolle REU intern (Summer 2022), MPH/PhD student, Tuskegee University

J Kemner Research technician (2021 – 2022). Now PhD student at UC Riverside

Sebastian Mora Monge Research technician (2022)

Andrew Malcomson Undergraduate research assistant (2021-2022). Now MS student at UW Madison.

Cindy Lisbeth Guardado Moncada Visiting scholar, Zamorano University (Spring 2022)

Jessie Arabely Navas Soto Visiting scholar, Zamorano University (Fall 2021)

Lukas Wright  Undergraduate research assistant (2018-2021). Now Illinois NRCS.

Dr. Jordon Wade Post-doc (2019 – 2021). Now Assistant Professor of Soil Health at University of Missouri

Lexi Gomez Undergraduate research assistant (summer 2021)

Cole Diaz Undergraduate research assistant (summer 2021)

Dr. Chongyang (Oliver) Li Postdoc (2019-2021)

George Watson MS student (2019-2021)

Jeremy Peterson Undergraduate research assistant (2019 – 2021)

Dr. Chunhao Gu  Post-doc (2018-2020). Now associate professor at Chinese University of Geoscience, Wuhan, China.

Alyssa Nuñez  Undergraduate research assistant (Fall 2018 – Spring 2020)

Ariel Roh  Undergraduate research assistant (Spring 2020)

Kee Joo Nam  Undergraduate research assistant (Fall 2019, Spring 2020)

Liz Miernicki Lab technician (2018 – 2019)

Izzi Di Tomassi NSF REU PRECS Intern (Summer 2019)

Erinn R Dady NSF REU PRECS intern (Summer 2019)

Grace Trankina, Undergrad research assistant (Spring 2018, Fall 2018-Spring 2019)

Linnie Shapiro, Undergrad research assistant (Fall 2018 – Spring 2019)

Naomi Canino, Undergrad research assistant (Fall 2018-Spring 2019)

Helen Senerchia, NSF REU PRECS Intern (Summer 2018)

Erik Stanek, Honorary Lab Member (knows plant stuff) (Summer-Fall 2018)

Nick Kaufmann, Undergrad research assistant (Summer 2018)

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