Victoria M
- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at Northern Arizona University

Expertise

Microbial Ecology, Microbiology, Biogeochemistry, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Science Communication

Bio

Hi, I'm Victoria! I study how microbes in the soil affect global nutrient cycles. More specifically, I am studying the roles that specific species of microbes play in the nitrogen cycle. I love thinking about the many ways that microbes affect the world around us. When I'm not working, I like to play Ultimate Frisbee, go camping, and read science fiction and fantasy books! I also love to cook and bake for my friends.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Potential climate feedbacks with thawing permafrost

As frozen soils thaw, microbes in the permafrost become more active, breaking down carbon and releasing it into the atmosphere. What different factors could affect how much carbon is released from permafrost thaw? How could soil characteristics and certain microbial species affect which greenhouse gases are affected?

Coding skills

Teaching experience

As an undergraduate, I served as a teaching assistant for a first-year seminar, as well as a 1-credit course on creating a research project. I also served as a teaching assistant for a junior-level professional writing course. As a graduate student, I have taught the Introduction to Microbiology Laboratory course, I've mentored an undergraduate student in completion of a student-led research project, and I've mentored two undergraduates in the lab as part of their capstone projects. I've also served as a peer mentor for nine undergraduate researchers, all of whom completed poster presentations on their work!

Credentials

Work experience

Department of Energy, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (2022 - 2022)

Doctoral Fellow

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (2016 - 2016)

Hollings Intern

Education

University of Maryland

BS Bachelor of Science (2018)

Environmental Science

Northern Arizona University

PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate

Microbial Ecology, Biogeochemistry, Soil Science

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Victoria M - Research Program Mentor