While rooted strongly in chemistry, as biogeochemists our research lies at the intersection of chemistry, microbiology, and earth sciences. We are focused on integrating biogeochemistry into research focused on advancing climate change (CC) mitigation and adaptation through highly interdisciplinary and community engaged-research.
Microscopic organisms such as bacteria and archaea are everywhere ! A spoonful of soil contains more microbes than there are humans on earth. Microbes are the hidden workhorses of our environment by providing important biological functions such as helping to regulate greenhouse gas emissions/nutrient cycling, and cleaning up oil spills/toxic metals. Led by Dr. Christina Smeaton, we are focused on improving our understanding of greenhouse gas (GHG) production in agricultural landscapes and the way we represent GHG emissions and nutrient cycling in environmental models by accounting for the energy that microbes gain/consume (i.e., bioenergetics)
Microscopic organisms such as bacteria and archaea are everywhere ! A spoonful of soil contains more microbes than there are humans on earth. Microbes are the hidden workhorses of our environment by providing important biological functions such as helping to regulate greenhouse gas emissions/nutrient cycling, and cleaning up oil spills/toxic metals. Led by Dr. Christina Smeaton, we are focused on improving our understanding of greenhouse gas (GHG) production in agricultural landscapes and the way we represent GHG emissions and nutrient cycling in environmental models by accounting for the energy that microbes gain/consume (i.e., bioenergetics)
Dr. Smeaton acknowledges that the land in which she lives and works is stolen Mi’kmaq territory. In addition to the Mi’kmaq people, she also acknowledges with deep respect the diverse histories, languages, and cultures of the Innu, Inuit, and the now extinct Beothuk of this province. It is also important to recognize that colonial violence and interference continues to negatively impact the remaining Indigenous communities on these lands. She sees her role in reconciliation as doing better than her ancestors who colonized NL in the late 1700s/1800s, which in part focuses on listening to Indigenous people, educating herself, knowing when to be quiet, and making space for Indigenous voices.