Jan 20, 2021

Two Ecology Grad Students Win College of Ag Sci Grants

Two members of the Huck's Ecology graduate program were among the ten winners of the College of Agricultural Sciences' Graduate Student Competitive Grants Program.

Ecology Graduate Students Margarita Fernandez and Caylon Yates were named among the winners of the College of Agricultural Sciences' Graduate Student Competitive Grants Program last month, and will receive $3,000 each to support their research, both of which deal with leaf litter composition.

Yates' research examines "how tree symbioses with mycorrhizal fungi shape the community of microbes that decompose leaf litter and how differences in these communities impact the nutrient dynamics of forest ecosystems," and he plans to investigate the role of nitrogen in decomposing leaves.

Fernandez will use her funding to support fieldwork in Patagonia doing chemical analysis.

"Soil fauna is ubiquitous and diverse," said Fernandez, "But their impact on ecosystem nutrient cycling has many uncertainties. My project addresses how soil fertility could change microarthropods-mediated decomposition in temperate woodlands through changes in litter quality. The potential for further understanding of this critical avenue is why I believe my work was chosen."

"It feels nice to be recognized in this way," said Yates. "It means that other researchers find my work as interesting and important as I do."

"It was a great way to end 2020 on a high note," added Fernandez.

The Competitive Grant Program is open to graduate students who are advised by a College of Agricultural Sciences faculty member and fulfill certain other eligibility requirements. Learn more about the Competitive Grant Program here.