Principal Investigator: Debankur Sanyal, PhD
A soil biogeochemist by training, I lead a statewide Soil Health Research and Extension program seeking sustainable ways to improve soil health and agricultural production in arid and semi-arid environments. My interest lies in finding practical, applied solutions for commercial growers and ranchers and making an impact in the 'real' world where science and technology can be adopted effectively. Therefore, my research often uses existing technologies but is geared towards increasing adoption by the industry. Communicating science is my passion, and I love to speak about soils, soil health, and food production as general. Outside work, I love to cook and play cricket and badminton. I am a big-time sports fan and spend my weekends watching mainly soccer, tennis, football, chess, and cricket.
Chaz (Charles) Stackpole, Research Technician II
Charles "Chaz" Stackpole is a research technician at the Sanyal Soil Health Lab with a B.S. in Environmental Science from NAU. His research interests include the role of cover cropping and deficit irrigation in maximizing water use efficiency, the long-term effects of novel soil amendments such as biochar, and the diversity and function of the soil microbial community in urban agricultural soils. He hopes to pursue a M.S. in Environmental Science from UofA in Spring 2025. When not in the lab, he enjoys cooking, and spending time with his cat.
Mercedes Martinez, Research Technician I
I am a research technician at Dr. Sanyal's soil health lab. I have a B.S. in Environmental Science from the UA and am pursuing my masters in Environmental Science focusing on the restoration, remediation, and conservation sphere starting Fall 2024. My passion for environmental science stems from being a vegan activist for the past 6 years and wanting to combat climate change with the work I do. Outside of the lab and my studies, I love to be with my two cats, Sedona and Lilith, play video games, read, and watch my favorite TV series.
Taylor Arp, MS Graduate Research Assistant
Taylor is an MS Graduate Research Assistant who is investigating soil microbiome and biological soil health indicators under different agronomic management practices in the desert Southwest. Outside research, Taylor loves to speak in front of a diverse group of audience, from peer students and researchers to industry stakeholders.
Dilshani Aswin, Graduate Research Intern
I'm Dilshani Aswin, your go-to environmental science enthusiast who is passionate about all things biotech! I'm always ready for a challenge, whether it's going into the depths of microbiology, experimenting with molecular biology techniques, or exploring the intricacies of soil science. Right now, I'm looking into several sectors of environmental science to widen my knowledge and make a meaningful difference. I bring a mix of optimism, meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for sustainability to everything I do. Outside the lab, you could find me organizing fascinating events, discussing my latest research, playing with dogs and cats, or enjoying the great outdoors.
Matt Halldorson, PhD Graduate Student
I am a PhD student in the Sanyal Soil Health lab, researching . When not taking long walks through the public lands of Arizona and spending time with his family, Matt enjoys working as a programmatic area viticulture agent for the U of A.
Sanjoy Kumar, PhD, Postdoctoral Scholar
Dr. Sanjoy Kumar is a postdoctoral research associate who specializes in carbon and nitrogen dynamics in agricultural and agroforestry systems. Dr. Kumar also models carbon in the agroecosystems to measure carbon sequestration and soil health changes.
Katie Jakubowski, Research Technician I
I am a Biological Sciences major with a focus on Biology and Society. My passion is simplifying complex scientific concepts and procedures to make them more understandable for the general public. When I’m not conducting experiments in the lab you can usually find me tending to my plants or reading. I also enjoy playing board and video games, baking, and hiking.
Makayla Walizer, Research Technician I
I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, where I developed a deep appreciation for the natural world, particularly plant life and its role in ecosystems. While I initially explored microbiology, I’ve found that working with plants and understanding their interactions with the environment is incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to be part of this team and to contribute to the lab’s important work in soil health. Although I’m still new here, I’m eager to learn and grow as I gain hands-on experience with soil analysis procedures and sampling methods. Working alongside such knowledgeable colleagues has already been an incredible learning opportunity, and I’m looking forward to building my skills in this field. Outside the lab, I enjoy Hiking and reading, which keeps me connects to the natural world and inspires my work. I’m grateful for the chance to contribute to the lab’s mission and to explore new areas of biology through the lens of soil health!
Elijah Mata, Research Technician I
Trevor Pettit, Research Specialist (2024-2025)
I graduated with a MS from Western University in London, Ontario, Canada in February 2024, where I studied the effects of warming and warming associated hydrological changes on the soil food web and soil carbon storage in Canadian boreal peatlands. In this role, I gained valuable experience conducting field and laboratory experiments and using the empirical data collected to parameterize ecosystem-level models. I am excited to leverage this experience in a new system as a member of the Sanyal Soil Health Lab. I am interested in measuring and modeling changes in emergent ecosystem properties in relation to soil.
Interns and Extended Lab Members
Flannery Lynn Bishop
MS Report, 2024 -
Jose Ornelas
MS Report, 2024 -
Joao Pedro
Grad Intern, 2023 -24
Ariel Heinrich
Undergrad Intern, 2023