Research & Teaching

Research Focus

My research integrates field experimentation, greenhouse studies, and isotope tracer techniques to improve fertilizer recommendations and nutrient diagnostics in cropping systems. I work at the intersection of agronomy, soil chemistry, and data science to enhance phosphorus and sulfur use efficiency in corn, soybean, wheat, and sorghum systems in Kansas and beyond.

At a glance

๐Ÿ“ >40 site-years
Multi-location field trials across Kansas.

๐Ÿงช ยนโตN tracers
Fertilizer N recovery in greenhouse + field.

๐Ÿงฎ Models
Bayesian, mixed/GAMs, ML for diagnostics & recs.

๐ŸŒพ Crops
Corn, soybean, wheat, sorghum.

Current research areas

  • Long-term P placement trials (18+ years)
  • Soil test calibration and critical level updates for corn
  • Plant tissue concentrations to support P recommendations
  • Corn response to S across multiple environments
  • S uptake, efficiency indices, and diagnostic tool validation
  • Integrating biomass, SPAD, NDVI, and tissue analysis
  • Greenhouse and field trials evaluating fertilizer N recovery
  • Partitioning N from soil, fertilizer, and atmospheric sources
  • Methodological advances and best practices
  • Bayesian statistics to improve fertilizer recommendations
  • ML for nutrient prediction; decision trees for recs
  • Mixed models and GAMs for long-term data
  • Sensitivity analyses in erosion modeling (RUSLE + GEE)

Teaching & Mentorship

I believe in making science accessible and meaningful for students and stakeholders. My teaching experience spans both formal education and community outreach.

๐Ÿ“š Guest Lecture โ€“ Nitrogen Lecture โ€“ AGRON 205 (Spring 2025), K-State
Delivered a 50-minute presentation on nitrogen management (Dr. Colby Moorberg).

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ Guest Lab Instructor โ€“ AGRON 305 (Fall 2024), K-State
Delivered the Nutrient Management Lab and updated the associated manual (Dr. Colby Moorberg).

๐ŸŒ Spanish Instructor (Volunteer) (2021โ€“2024), UFM Community Learning Center
Taught weekly classes to more than 30 adult learners to promote cultural exchange and community engagement.

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿ”ฌ Mentoring undergraduate interns
Supervised and trained more than 15 students in lab and field settings, focusing on sampling, data collection, and applied agronomic research methods.

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Scientific communication
Led workshops as Chair of the Scientific Communication Committee (AGSA), improving graduate studentsโ€™ presentation and publishing skills.

๐ŸŽค Conference participation
Moderated sessions at the SWCS International Annual Meeting, participated in ASA-CSSA-SSSA symposia, and regularly present research at national and international conferences.

Collaboration & Outreach

  • Work with farmers, extension agents, and graduate committees to design and execute trials across >40 site-years.
  • Experience writing competitive proposals (e.g., Kansas Fertilizer Research Fund).
  • Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Guarani for engagement across the Americas.

Peer-review activities

  • Reviewer, Journal of Soil and Water Conservation (soil fertility, nutrient management, agronomic systems).