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Soil scientist doing research.

Research Focus Team

Charges, activities, and contact information for the Research Focus Team.

Soil scientist doing research.

Overview

The Research Focus Team’s role is to facilitate collaborative communication about research activities and needs across the Soil and Plant Science Division (SPSD). The Research Branch at the National Soil Survey Center (NSSC) has a mission to conduct soil research to solve problems, fill gaps, and discover new knowledge for use in soil survey and natural resource management. The focus team facilitates communication, cooperation, and research prioritization between the Research Branch, SPSD personnel, and National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) cooperators.

Charges

  • Communicate research activities, needs, and priorities across SPSD and with external partners.
  • Synthesize research needs identified by SPSD staff to suggest and promote research projects applicable to soil survey production and use.
  • Connect SPSD staff to existing research and scientific standards to answer questions and coordinate investigative efforts; provide support for SPSD staff to conduct work aligned with latest research findings.
  • Participate in the SPSD Collaborative Research proposal review process.
  • Collaborate with NCSS and other external entities to promote soil science research and integrate research findings from NCSS partners.

Research Contacts

Research liaisons serve as a point of contact for their assigned region. They can provide general information about soil survey research and put regional staff in touch with experts for specific questions or studies. Each scientist can provide technical and academic advice and information in their area of expertise.

chart showing research contacts by region

Cooperative Research Projects

Resources

2024 Funded Cooperative Research Projects

Chart of 2024 funded research projects and partners

Previously Funded Cooperative Research Projects

2019, 2020, 2021 (Links to Box)

Contact

Skye Wills

National Leader for Soil Science Research, NSSC, Lincoln, Nebraska

Katherine Dynarski

Research Soil Scientist, Vermont

Juliet Baker

Soil Scientist, California

Internal Advisory Team

  • Gathers and evaluates research needs from Soil Survey and Regional offices
  • Meets monthly to provide feedback on research activities
  • Provide feedback from Research Focus Team to Regional Soil Survey staff

External Advisory Team

  • Provides ongoing communication between SPSD and NCSS Research Needs committees
  • Meets quarterly to provide feedback and advice on research activities