Research My research assesses the ability of live trees to maintain the soil microbial community in harvested forested sites subjected to different methods of variable-retention harvesting and the microbial groups supported by labile compounds from tree roots. Specifically, I am studying the composition of the microbial communities under two green-tree retention regimes- dispersed and aggregated- and the nature of C flow from the retained trees into the surrounding microbial community. Natural isotopic abundance and novel stable- isotope labelling and probing techniques, in combination with phospholipid fatty acid analysis are used to identify which groups of microorganisms are present and the dominant C sources used for their growth and metabolism.
Background
I obtained my BScH from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, where I studied Biology with a focus on terrestrial ecology. There I had the opportunity to travel to the Northwest Territories to study the effects of C and N addition on soil microbial populations. This work inspired me to continue my studies in soil microbiology.
Fun On evenings and weekend you can normally find me playing netball, ultimate, dodgeball or on my balcony garden. I also love running away to Bowen Island to kayak and pick chanterelles.
Degree PhD with Sue Grayston
Selected publications:
Churchland, Carolyn; Mayo-Bruinsma, Liesha; Ronson, Alison; Grogan, Paul. Soil microbial and plant community responses to single large carbon and nitrogen additions in low arctic tundra. Plant and Soil, Volume 334, Numbers 1-2, September 2010 , pp. 409-421(13)