UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture

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Could a common plant with a funny name be a “green” alternative to chemical fertilizers? Assistant professor Anna O’Brien and her team are exploring the potential of aquatic duckweed as a sustainable "green manure" to replace chemical fertilizers in agriculture. This shift aims to reduce harmful runoff of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which contribute to ecological problems such as algal blooms and water toxicity. “Chemical fertilizers provide quick nutrient boosts, but when mismanaged can also lead to adverse environmental impacts. Green manures instead release nutrients slowly and support microbial activity, thus enhancing benefits to plants,” said O’Brien. “We chose duckweed as a possible green manure because it’s a native plant in New Hampshire, it’s naturally abundant in our waterbodies and research shows that it can recapture nutrients in runoff and agricultural wastewater.” UNH students, including microbiology graduate student Alyssa Daigle and undergraduate students like Matthew Farbaniec, played a crucial role in this research over the summer. “I have learned so much and have gained research skills that will be useful throughout my academic and professional career,” shares Matt. “In my master's work under Dr. Anna O’Brien, I integrated this interest into our green manure project, examining how cyanobacteria in duckweed could affect crops. I feel I’ve grown tremendously as a scientist over this past year,” says Alyssa. Read more in our Fall 2024 issue of THRIVE: https://lnkd.in/gUZUup8V Check out Matt’s Spotlight: https://lnkd.in/gC-UEn27 University of New Hampshire University of New Hampshire Research UNH Graduate School

?? Meet our COLSA Ambassador team! ?? Welcome Madison Wilson '26 to the team! ?? Hello! I’m Madison, majoring in Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology at UNH, and I'm from Libertyville, IL. I joined the COLSA Ambassador team because I'm having an amazing time at UNH and I want to show other students from across the country that moving to NH is worth it! I’m also excited about seeing UNH events from an insider's perspective and honing my photography skills. What I love most about UNH is its commitment to sustainability and I feel like I am part of a family. I like getting to know my professors—they are inclusive and passionate about their work. In addition to my role as an ambassador, I work at the Seacoast Science Center and volunteer at SHARPP.

With pressing environmental challenges, a better understanding of soil has been recognized as a key component to finding sustainable solutions. ?? ?? Soil BioME, the center of Soil Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology was established in 2022 by Jessica Ernakovich, Serita Fey and Stuart Grandy – faculty in UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture and scientists at the NH Agricultural Station. Soil BioME is advancing soils research with a focus on combating climate change impacts through sustainable agriculture, greenhouse gas emissions and forest management. The Soil BioMe team leverages public-private partnerships for soil based environmental solutions. Grandy shares that the team aims to “translate scientific discoveries into practical applications that can address real-world environmental challenges.” Key initiatives include: ?? Partnering for efficiency: Working with Ag Spectrum, Soil BioME is improving how nitrogen fertilizers are used in agriculture, ensuring that plants receive nitrogen during critical growth phases, thus enhancing crop productivity and reducing costs. ?? Scientific discoveries: Research has revealed complex interactions between plants and soil microbes that manage nitrogen uptake, highlighting opportunities to enhance nutrient availability and efficiency. ?? Global Partnerships: Collaborating with global leaders like Novo Nordisk, Nutrien, and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, Soil BioME is expanding the scope and impact of its research, driving forward soil science and sustainable agricultural practices. ?? Applying Research to Real Problems: Jessica Ernakovich emphasizes how industry partnerships have shifted their focus from purely scientific inquiries to applying their findings to solve practical, real-world problems. Soil BioME is committed to broadening its outreach, making its research accessible to a wider audience, and inspiring a new generation of scientists through public engagement and educational initiatives. Read full article here: https://bit.ly/48VagSn Stuart Grandy

?? Meet Malone Revis, a recent @uofnh alum who graduated in 2024 with a B.A. in Zoology and a Minor in Animal Behavior. Now living in Higganum, CT, Malone works as a California Sea Lion Trainer at Mystic Aquarium. In his first year at the University of New Hampshire , he took Basic SCUBA, a class offered on campus. This was crucial for his career because the certification is required to become a marine mammal trainer. Throughout his time at UNH, he enriched his education through practical experiences, including multiple internships where he worked with a range of marine and terrestrial animals. His education was complemented by opportunities to study abroad in Namibia and attend industry conferences, like the International Marine Animal Trainers Association conference in Texas. These experiences were made possible through scholarships and the support of UNH's COLSA SOAR fund, broadening his perspective and professional network. Now a California sea lion trainer at Mystic Aquarium, Malone applies his skills daily. He values the practical aspects of his job, which allow him to connect with visitors and share the importance of marine conservation. Some advice? Malone suggests gaining experience as early as possible and seizing every opportunity to learn and grow in the field. Other hobbies that he enjoys include vlogging, skim boarding, and just hanging out with friends! ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/eNq6EYEc

Microplastics pose a threat to Great Bay Estuary – a vital ecosystem at the heart of coastal New Hampshire. UNH researchers Bonnie Brown and Gregg Moore, with the help of graduate and undergraduate students, are leading crucial studies on how these tiny pollutants affect our estuary. Their work is helping us understand where microplastics come from, where they settle and how long they stay in our waters. Great Bay isn't just any body of water. It's a critical habitat for marine life, a natural filter for our oceans and an essential resource for our region's growing shellfish industry. Our research teams are creating models to track these pollutants, giving local aquaculturists, fishers and environmental managers the data they need to protect this precious ecosystem. Because when it comes to preserving Great Bay for future generations, every tiny particle matters. UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture University of New Hampshire Research

Have you spotted a coyote recently? Check out the study to learn more about coyotes and their interactions with humans and other predators. ??

?? Course Spotlight: BMS 658/659 Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry Laboratory In this course, students learn to analyze blood and bodily fluids to detect and monitor diseases. Students apply their knowledge of biochemistry to medical diagnostics and identify changes that may be present in conditions including diabetes, heart disease, liver dysfunction, and beyond. On this day in lab, students measured total protein levels in patient samples—a critical test that screens for conditions ranging from dehydration to multiple myeloma. Protein in the patient sample caused the blue reagent to turn to a shade of purple that can be detected using an instrument known as a spectrophotometer. Throughout the course, students participate in determining concentrations of total protein, glucose, electrolytes, and kidney function tests. They also learn various quality control and quality assurance procedures that help deliver safe care to patients. Why do students love this course? It reveals the critical role of clinical chemistry data in diagnosing and understanding the pathophysiology of various diseases. Primarily pursued by students in BMS: MLS option, this course equips them for both theoretical exams and practical, hands-on patient care in clinical settings. After completing this course, many students participate in hospital internships, applying their lab skills directly to real-world medical cases. Thanks for letting us into your class!

?? Ever wondered how to safeguard our crops against climate change? The answer lies beneath our feet! Scientists are digging into the benefits of soil health to uncover sustainable solutions for agriculture. Studies show that regenerative practices, such as crop rotation and planting cover crops, not only enrich the soil but also fortify our food sources against harsh weather conditions. This isn't just farming—it's creating a resilient ecosystem from the ground up. Read full article here: https://lnkd.in/ejUHjVhK Stuart Grandy

?? Congratulations to Professor Drew Conroy on receiving the UNH International Engagement Award! Chair Becky Sideman presented the award at the Faculty Excellence ceremony, honoring his three decades of teaching, service, and research that have taken him and UNH students across the globe! ??