SOIL - Earth's Quintessential Biomaterial Frontier for a Climate-Stable Future

Abstract: Soil is the most complex biomaterial in the earth system, made up of a heterogeneous mixture of organic and inorganic constituents. Soil contains charged particles characterized by a high specific surface area and biotic—abiotic interfaces that facilitate biological and chemical reactions critical for the maintenance of a range of ecosystem services. This presentation will discuss the fundamental mechanisms by which the soil system controls the Earth’s climate and how human actions that alter soil properties control the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 

In addition, Dr. Berhe will discuss her career trajectory from being a professor to leading one of the largest science funding agencies in the nation and the critical role of an inclusive excellence framework in addressing critical issues of our time, including climate change. Infusing the perspective of an earth system scientist into the realm of science policy, Dr. Berhe's presentation will delve into how the Office of Science works to drive the frontiers of science across disciplines, enable solutions to some of the grand challenges of our time, and expand participation of folx from all walks of life in science.

Bio: Dr. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe is a Professor of Soil Biogeochemistry and Falasco Chair in Earth Sciences and Geology at the University of California, Merced. She previously served as the Director of the US Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Her research interest lies at the intersection of soil science, geochemistry, global change science, and political ecology. Prof. Berhe’s work seeks to improve our understanding of how the soil system regulates the earth’s climate and the dynamic two-way relationship between soil and human communities. Numerous awards and honors have recognized her scholarly contributions and efforts to improve equity and inclusion in STEM. She is an Elected member of the US National Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union and the Geological Society of America, and a member of the inaugural class of the US National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine's New Voices in Science, Engineering, and Medicine. 

All seminars are held on Wednesdays from 12:00 -1:00 p.m. in the Bowen Hall Auditorium Room 222. A light lunch is provided at 11:30 a.m. in the Bowen Hall Atrium immediately prior to the seminar.