Janice E. Thies
Associate Professor
Primary Research Areas
- agricultural biotechnology
- biodiversity
- biogeochemistry
- biological control
- compost
- ecology
- ecosystem biology
- environmental sciences
- genomics
- international agriculture
- international development
- microbiology
- molecular biology
- molecular genetics
- natural resources
- new life sciences
- nutrient management
- organic agriculture
- soil and crop science
- soil health
- sustainable agriculture
- sustainable development
- transgenic plants
Research Focus
? Develop and refine new molecular methods to characterize soil biodiversity, and identify and measure the activity of microbes in soil responsible for critical ecosystem processes. |? Determine how soil and crop management practices affect the diversity and functioning of soil microbial populations.|? Advance work on soil quality/health locally and internationally by developing and promoting: (i) use of robust indicators of soil sustainability and (ii) biological approaches to controlling pests and increasing soil fertility. |? Use unusual habitats as model systems for discovering and understanding soil biochemistries that can be used to develop alternative soil management practices that maintain and enhance the soil resource base.|? Work collaboratively with colleagues to inform public regulatory policies so that the twin goals of environmental protection and sustainable crop production can be achieved.
Educational Background
- B.Sc., Botany, University of Washington, 1976
- M.Sc., Microbiology, University of Hawaii, 1986
- Ph.D., Microbiology, University of Hawaii, 1990
Research Grants
- COMPARING THE STRUCTURE OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES IN A NATIVE PRAIRIE WITH AN ANNUAL GRAIN SYSTEM USING T-RFLP ANALYSIS
