Pete Chuckran

Position: Graduate Student

Email: Pfc25@nau.edu

Research Interests

Chuckran’s research is largely focused on the gene expression of soil microbial communities during the nitrogen cycle. By isolating the RNA for a soil community, referred to as the metatranscriptome, it is possible to gain an understanding of gene expression at a given time point. Through incubation, greenhouse, and field studies, Chuckran hopes to be able to identify specific genes associated with biogeochemical cycling and environmental stress.

Full Curriculum Vitae
Selected Publications:

Antoninka A,  Bowker MA, Chuckran P, Barger NN, Reed S, Belnap J. 2017. Maximizing establishment and survivorship of field-collected and greenhouse-cultivated biocrusts in a semi-cold desert. Plant and Soil. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-017- 3300-3

Chuckran P​, and Frank D.A. 2013. ​Herbivores regulate the sensitivity of soil organic carbon decomposition to warming. Environmental Research Letters 8: 044013.