Wetlands Carbon Dynamic Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Lab
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The Wetlands Carbon Dynamic Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Lab focuses on studying how human activities, such as drainage, agriculture, road construction and peat mining affect the carbon dynamics (CO2 and CH4 emissions) and biogeochemistry of different wetland types, including prairie wetlands (prairie potholes), boreal and temperate peatlands (bogs, fens and swamps), and mangroves. Our team strives to understand how these disturbed ecosystems can be restored to their natural conditions, regaining their carbon storage capacity and other ecosystem functions and services. Additionally, the lab is interested in assessing the potential impacts of climate change on soil properties, such as soil organic matter, soil organic carbon degradability and greenhouse gas fluxes, at the plot-to-watershed scale.
Our group employs both laboratory and field-based methods. Using a LI-COR trace gas analyzer, we monitor greenhouse gas fluxes (CH4, CO2 and N2O) and measure various hydrological properties using multiple tools and techniques. In the laboratory, we focus on understanding the functionality of hydrolase and phenol oxidase enzymes (via batch experiments) and other biochemical properties involved in degrading soil organic matter under various wetland conditions (restored, disturbed and undisturbed). In addition, the research group examines various controls to enhance soil organic carbon stability in wetlands and to develop process-based models of soil organic matter degradation under the current global warming scenario.
We are happy to collaborate with complementary research teams/labs. For potential research collaborations, please contact Saru Saraswati.
Opportunities
If you are interested in joining graduate school or being part of the undergraduate researchers and conducting research in wetlands (peatlands, prairie potholes and mangroves), carbon dynamics, and want to understand the connection between soils, plants, water and greenhouse gas exchange in these wetland types, contact Saru Saraswati with a brief (one-page) statement of interest and resume.
Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship Opportunity (Fall 2026)
The Wetlands Carbon Dynamics Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Laboratory at the Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ invites applications for a fully funded Ph.D. focused on understanding the effects of restoration on prairie pothole wetlands.
The selected student will investigate how wetland restoration influences ecosystem processes such as: soil organic carbon dynamics; nitrogen mineralization and immobilization; water quality and nutrient cycling; long-term wetland resilience and carbon stability.
Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ will involve a combination of:
- Field sampling and monitoring
- Laboratory analyses
- Data analysis and statistical modeling
- Collaboration with an interdisciplinary research team
Preferred Qualifications:
Applicants with one or more of the following backgrounds are encouraged to apply: wetland science, geography, environmental science, ecology, soil science, hydrology, biogeochemistry, natural resources or related disciplines.
Experience with fieldwork, environmental data analysis softwares or greenhouse gas measurements is beneficial.
Funding:
The position includes: graduate stipend, tuition support and opportunities for professional development.
Start Date: Fall 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicants should the following documents to Saraswati Bhusal:
- A brief statement of research interests
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Unofficial transcripts
- Contact information for three references
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Lab Members
Contacts
Contact Saru Saraswati to learn more about our research and collaboration opportunities and apply for available positions.
