Our Lab
Donald R. Zak
PI
Alexander H. Smith Distinguished University Professor of Ecology
Arthur F. Thurnau Professor
Burton V. Barnes Collegiate Professor of Ecology
University of Michigan
School for Environment & Sustainability
Affiliate Faculty Member
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Adjunct Professor
Department of Earth and Environmental Science
PhD 1987, Michigan State University
MS 1983, University of Idaho
BS 1981, Cum Laude, Ohio State University
Rima Upchurch
Lab Manager
I graduated from Agnes Scott College with a degree in Biology, and I received my MS in Microbiology from the University of Georgia. I have always been interested in using molecular techniques to study microbial ecology and community structure, especially in soils. During grad school, I came to realize the importance of bioinformatic tools as a way to gain insight into soil microbial communities. My time in the Zak lab, though, has shown me that while tools are important, it's the scientific framework and questions asked that drive discoveries in ecology.
Morgan McPherson
Post-doc
Morgan is a plant biologist turned microbial ecologist. She is interested in and fascinated by mycorrhizal community dynamics in forests and agroecosystems. Currently, she works as a postdoctoral research fellow in the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan. Prior to that, she completed her Ph.D. research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), investigating how mycorrhizae respond to diverse crop rotations and variable N fertilization regimes. She also obtained her B.S. in plant biology and biotechnology from UNL. Morgan's current research examines how mycorrhizal communities interact with and respond to the changing climate, specifically the contribution of organic N via mycorrhizal fungi on plant growth response to elevated atmospheric CO2. She has experience and skill sets in data analysis, molecular biology, fieldwork, scientific teaching, and scientific communication. She is always happy to chat about science so feel free to reach out!
