Megan Bartholomew

I am currently and undergraduate research assistant majoring in Biology and Environmental Studies. I have been part of the Hofmockel lab since the fall of 2010. I started by doing DNA extractions to measure changes in the diversity of microbial communities in response to native and exotic plant communities. Since then I have been working on the Landscape Biomass Project as well as the Comparison of Biofuel Systems Project. For these projects I help with gas sampling, extracellular enzyme assays, and biogeochemical measurements such net mineralization. In the past I was a land steward intern at the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, which focuses largely on prairie conservation. My time spent at the Heritage Foundation as well as my involvement with this lab has helped me determine that I have a passion for conservation. I hope to go on to graduate school in natural resource management with a focus on soil and water conservation.