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Mark MCDonald

Research

I am a soil microbiologist studying the connection between soil microbial communities and environmental outcomes. In my research I seek to integrate the analyses of these factors to better understand soil processes at the local level and translate that knowledge to broad scale understanding of microbial behavior/function. Further, with the advancement of computing tools (Machine learning, A.I.), I am interested in developing research projects and programs that work with these tools to answer unique and complex questions about microbial communities and the environment. Lastly, in my work I seek to better integrate localized microbial data into large-scale modeling efforts to improve model constraints. 

Current Work

One of my current research interests and activities revolve around the permafrost-affected areas of Alaska where I am investigating the time-resolved effects of the warming climate on the microbial community in these unique soils. My interests here lie in the ability to tie microbial measurements to changes in the amount of carbon lost and changes in soil carbon species through the first few months of warming conditions. I aim to better understand how diverse responses to warming affect long-term microbial colonization and activity in these soils, which should improve our ability to predict carbon loss. 


In addition to working with permafrost soils, I am passionate about answering important questions regarding how soil microorganisms affect managed ecosystems. Specifically, my work aims to understand how climate change and soil management impact soil microbial community structure and function, and how those changes are reflected in ecosystem outputs (crop yield, GHG emissions, etc.).




About Me

I am from a small town in Tennessee where I grew up with an appreciation for education and practical knowledge of how things work. This naturally led me to pursue Microbiology research as an undergrad at The University of Tennessee where I began to be interested in the connections between microbes and the environment. 


Breaking from my non-agrarian roots, I pursued my masters in Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech under Dr. Katie Lewis (grad. 2018), where we investigated greenhouse gas production under soil conservation practices. I was able to continue this research while pursuing my Ph.D. at Texas A&M under Dr. Terry Gentry and Dr. Lewis (grad. 2021) where we focused more on the microbial drivers of greenhouse gas emissions and the temporal changes that occur with the implementation of conservation practices.


Outside of research, I have been able to have a variety of developmental experiences throughout my career including teaching two courses at Texas A&M during my Ph.D., participation in and leading delegations to advocate for increased science research funding, serving as head of the graduate committee, and participating in an intensive two-week course covering team-science, management, and inter-disciplinary research. 


In my free time I enjoy food—both cooking and trying new cuisines—reading biographies and science fiction/fantasy, being active, and playing games with friends. 

Education and Experience

Education

Research Experience

Research Experience

Ph.D.

Texas A&M University

Soil Science - Soil Microbiology


Masters

Texas Tech University

Plant and Soil Science

Research at Texas A&M AgriLife Lubbock


Undergraduate

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Microbiology



Research Experience

Research Experience

Research Experience

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Assistant Professor

  • Developing a research program focused on understanding microbial contributions to ecosystem outcomes in Louisiana and permafrost affected soils.


University of New Hampshire

Staff Scientist - Microbial Ecologist

  • Working with Dr. Jessica Ernakovich to understand global patterns of microbia

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Assistant Professor

  • Developing a research program focused on understanding microbial contributions to ecosystem outcomes in Louisiana and permafrost affected soils.


University of New Hampshire

Staff Scientist - Microbial Ecologist

  • Working with Dr. Jessica Ernakovich to understand global patterns of microbial community change following permafrost thaw. 


Argonne National Lab

Postdoctoral Appointee

Advisors: Roser Matamala, Julie Jastrow

  • Temporal assessments of microbial degradation of permafrost soil carbon 


Texas A&M University

Graduate Research Assistant

Advisors: Katie Lewis, Terry Gentry

  • Microbial production of greenhouse gases in conservation agriculture
  • Soil conservation management practice influence on greenhouse gas production and soil microbial communities


Publications

Influence of fertilizer and manure inputs on soil health: a review

Howe, McDonald et al,. 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soisec.2024.100155

Semi-arid soil bacterial communities are refined by altered plant selection pressure under conservation management practices

McDonald et al., 2024

 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2023.105191

What is microbial dormancy?

McDonald et al., 2023

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tim.2023.08.006

Nitrogen fertilizer driven nitrous and nitric oxide production is decoupled from microbial genetic potential in low carbon, semi-arid soil

McDonald et al., 2023

 https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoil.2022.1050779 

Soil pore space gas probes for use in agricultural research

McDonald et al., 2021

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soisec.2021.100015

Nitrous Oxide Consumption Potential in a Semi-Arid Agricultural System: Effects of Conservation Soil Management and Nitrogen Timing on nosZ Mediated N2O Consumption

McDonald et al., 2021

 https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2021.702806 

Short Term Cotton Lint Yield Improvement with Cover Crop and No-Tillage Implementation

McDonald et al., 2020 

https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10070994 

Carbon dioxide mitigation potential of conservation agriculture in a semi-arid agricultural region

McDonald et al., 2019

https://doi.org/10.3934/agrfood.2019.1.206 

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Mark McDonald: Soil Microbiology

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