Heavy metal contamination in boreal forest soil particularly by Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn) is an environmental issue associated with mining. Heavy metal contaminated soil causes food chain contamination, detrimental effects on humans, contamination of natural waters and impairment of plant growth. Chemical immobilization combined with phytostabilization is a promising remediation strategy of heavy metal contaminated soil. In this technique, various kinds of amendments are added to soil which immobilize heavy metals whereas an established vegetation cover stabilizes heavy metals within the rhizosphere zone. This project will assess the effectiveness of modified biochar as amendments in immobilizing Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn in acidic boreal forest soils with different levels of concentrations. Additionally, it will evaluate the phytostabilization potential of native Canadian grass species to reduce mobility and bioavailability of these heavy metals contributing to development of effective remediation measures in multi-metal contaminated boreal forest ecosystems.

Iowa’s prairies are nearly gone, but restored prairies may cool local climates through evaporative cooling. Deep-rooted, structurally diverse plants increase water transfer to the atmosphere, reducing surface and air temperatures. Using drones, LiDAR, and flux towers, the researcher quantifies prairie cooling as a climate-mitigation tool.

antifreeze chemicals are toxic. This research tests new ice-recrystallization inhibitors that enter embryos easily, cause minimal developmental effects, and prevent damaging ice-crystal growth. These findings could enable long-term genetic preservation and support future ecosystem restoration.

My research tackles PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) or “forever chemicals,” found in everyday products and linked to serious health risks. Blood testing shows 95% contamination rates. The project identifies specialised bacteria capable of breaking PFAS down nearly completely within days, offering a promising biological solution to reduce environmental and human exposure to these persistent toxic chemicals.