Dr. Stephanie Yarwood is an associate professor within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources where she specializes in soil on a microbial level. Yarwood studies soil microbial ecology across different types of ecosystems, including: wetlands, agricultural, urban, and forest soils. A primary goal of her research is to understand how humans impact soil microbial communities and their functions. “If we can better understand how disturbance effects microorganisms,” Yarwood explains, “we can better manage land for a sustainable future.”

She is excited to utilize the Socratic Method, a pedagogy invented by Greek philosopher Socrates where students and professors hold a dialogue based on asking questions, to keep students engaged and excited about learning. When she isn’t hard at work in the lab or the classroom, she is enjoying her two Vizsla dogs and horse.