Personnel | mysite

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.

Download Full CV

Researchgate

Google Scholar

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.

Taylor Arp, PhD Graduate Research Assistant

Taylor is a soil scientist investigating the soil microbiome and biological soil health indicators under different agronomic management practices in the desert Southwest. With a passion for research and science communication, he loves to speak in front of a diverse audiences, ranging from students to researchers to industry stakeholders.

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.

Mercedes Martinez, MS Graduate Student

I am pursuing a Masters in Environmental Science focusing on the restoration, remediation, and conservation sphere at Dr. Sanyal's soil health lab. I have a B.S. in Environmental Science from the UA. 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.

Emily Rockey, MS Graduate Student

Emily is a Master's student in Environmental Science and a Graduate Research Assistant. She obtained her B.S. in Plant Sciences from UA, and pursued work on organic farms, public gardens, and with compost production. Emily is interested in studying agroecology and indigenous agriculture. Her hobbies include international travel, seed saving, and fermented foods.

Dilshani Aswin, Research Technician

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.

Kaitlin Fahlgren, Research Technician I

I'm Kaitlin Fahlgren, a research technician at the Sanyal Soil Health Lab with a M.S. In Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. While my previous research has focalized on genomics, endosymbiotic associations within arthropods, and insect conservation, I joined the Sanyal lab to explore my interests in soil-microbial interactions and agricultural pedology. I hope to gain more experience in both the lab and field before I pursue my PhD in Entomology at some point in the future here at UofA. Outside the lab, you can find me exploring a new hiking trail, playing pickleball, or tending to my plants.