Wright Lab Members

Siyi "Jenny" Wang, Ph.D. candidate

siyi.wang (at) duke.edu | CV

My research will focus on expanding the spatial and temporal scales of current theory on mechanistic links between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) with observational and experimental approaches, as well as statistical and conceptual models. The ecosystem functions I plan to investigate are those related to biogeochemical processes that maintain valuable ecosystem services such as provision of clean water. Ultimately, I intend to inform environmental policies by building a predictive model that estimates potential impacts of biodiversity change on the provision of a specific ecosystem service. Such a model would be instrumental in efficient pricing of biodiversity credits in an economic market.

Considering my emphasis on biogeochemical processes and valuable ecosystem services, potential links between soil and sediment microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning at a watershed scale presents an especially intriguing aspect of BEF research. Microbes, including bacteria and fungi, mediate key steps in biogeochemical processes that sustain critical ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, water purification, and erosion prevention. Changes in microbial diversity, therefore, may have substantial impacts on the provision of ecosystem services driven by biogeochemical processes in a watershed.

Christopher Iacoboni, Ph.D. student

christopher.iacoboni (at) duke.edu | CV

Bonnie McGill, lab manager

bonnie.mcgill (at) duke.edu | CV

I joined the Wright lab in September 2007. I'm particularly interested in understanding the biogeochemistry involved in ecosystem functioning. Working in the Wright Lab I've learned many different methods of sampling and analyses. I've enjoyed working with the nice folks in the Wright, Bernhardt, Jackson, and Richter labs . Also, I have a really cool dog named Bowie.

Sarah Diehl, undergraduate student

sarah.diehl (at) duke.edu

Webpage updated 6.26.09 / bmm