The Research Team’s role is to advise the Soil and Plant Science Division (SPSD) on research activities. 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 between the research branch, SPSD personnel, and National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) cooperators.
Conduct and facilitate on topics related to soil survey production and use
Provide guidance on scientific practices to Soil and Plant Science Division
Collaborate with NCSS and other external entities to promote soil science
The Science of Soil Health Initiative seeks to gather, process, and disseminate scientifically rigorous data using DSP and Soil Health methods and techniques.
Skye Wills, National Leader for Soil Science Research, NSSC, Lincoln, Nebraska
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
Members:
• Juliet Baker, Sonora, CA
• Ryan Dermody, Waverly, IA
• Larissa Hindman, Fairbanks, AK
• Erin Hourihan, Temple, TX
• David Jalali, Rapid City, SD
• Lynn Loomis, Marfa, TX
• Marr McCauley, Owensboro, KY
• Kristi Mingus, Price, UT
• Sandy Page, Loxley, AL
• Donald Parizek, Tolland, CT
External Advisory Team
Provides ongoing communication between SPSD and NCSS Research Needs committees
Meets quarterly to provide feedback and advice on research activities
Members:
• Matthew Ricker, North Carolina State University
• Daniel Hirmas, University of California – Riverside
• Matthew Levi, University of Georgia
• Zhongqui (Joshua) Cheng, Brooklyn College
• DeAnn Presley, Kansas State University
• Karen Vaughn, University of Wyoming
• Justin Richardson, University of Massachusetts
• Christopher Shepard, University of Kentucky
Overview
