NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biology FY 2013

森林是全球挥发性有机化合物（VOCs）的主要来源，VOCs对生态和大气过程产生重大影响，包括臭氧的产生。关于森林中挥发性有机化合物产生的大部分知识来自对活叶的研究。然而，最近的研究表明，根和土壤微生物可以是相当大的挥发性有机化合物的来源，与大气化学和生态系统的碳预算模型的影响。在这个项目中，土壤和冠层挥发性有机化合物通量将在现场量化的森林占主导地位的不同树种。将确定负责从根和土壤微生物的挥发性有机化合物排放的生理机制和主要生物化学驱动因素，从而导致开发预测挥发性有机化合物对大气成分和空气质量影响的机械排放模型。该项目的结果将有助于从分子到生态系统到大气尺度对VOC排放进行生物和物理控制的全面机制理解。研究结果将用于改进全球挥发性有机化合物排放和大气化学的模型。培训目标包括整合分子、地球化学和数学建模技术，以探索对当地和全球空气质量有影响的紧迫生态问题。 更广泛的影响包括跨学科研究和国际机构之间的独特合作机会。外联活动包括通过科学，技术和研究学者（STARS）计划培训和指导一些代表性不足的本科生，为免费科学研讨会系列开发与研究相关的课程，并向土地管理人员和公众提供年度报告。

Linking measurements of soil-derived volatile organic compounds to atmospheric emissions modelsForests represent the primary source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) globally, and VOCs significantly impact ecological and atmospheric processes, including the production of ozone. Most of what is known about VOC production in forests comes from studies of live foliage. However, recent work indicates that roots and soil microbes can be considerable sources of VOCs, with implications for models of atmospheric chemistry and ecosystem carbon budgets. In this project, soil and canopy VOC fluxes will be quantified in situ in forests dominated by different tree species. The physiological mechanisms and primary biogeochemical drivers responsible for VOC emissions from roots and soil microbes will be determined, leading to the development of mechanistic emission models that predict VOC effects on atmospheric composition and air quality. The results from this project will contribute a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of biological and physical controls over VOC emissions from the molecular-to-ecosystem-to-atmospheric scales. Results will be used to improve models of global VOC emissions and atmospheric chemistry.Training objectives include the integration of molecular, biogeochemical, and mathematical modeling techniques to explore a pressing ecological issue with implications for local and global air quality. Broader impacts include unique collaborative opportunities for research across diverse disciplines and between international institutions. Outreach activities include training and mentoring a number of underrepresented undergraduates through the Science, Technology, and Research Scholars (STARS) program, developing a research-related curriculum for a free science workshop series, and providing annual reports to both land managers and the general public.