| Matthew K. Lau RESEARCH INTERESTS I do my molecular work in the Schwartz Lab CURRENT PROJECTS Thesis Research: Local adaptation of Gigaspora gigantea in the North American tall grass prairie I am currently conducting a reciprocal transplant experiment in which I combined isolates of the same AMF species, known host plants, soil, and non-AMF "microbial communities" from sites with distinct soil types in a fully factorial design. This project will address the question of whether or not an AMF species is capable of adapting to local soil conditions by measuring the differences in fitness and performance of AMF in the various treatment combinations. Since bacteria are known to play important roles in soil nutrient dynamics and interact with AMF in important ways, I am focusing on bacteria as a potential mechanism for AMF adaptation. Observing changes in plant carbon allocation to mycorrhizal fungi using stable isotopes In order to observe plant responses to changes in mycorrhizal functioning associated with changes in soil nutrient levels, it is necessary to track and quantify carbon dynamics. I am currently involved in the molecular analysis portion of this project. Northern Arizona fungal diversity and natural history (a.k.a what I like to do on the side) I am also conducting an informal study of the mushroom producing fungi of the San Francisco Peaks and adjacent areas. I am an avid mushroom hunter. Thankfully, we have a wealth of fungal fructifications during the monsoon season here in Northern Arizona! Aside from documenting "macro-fungal" diversity of local wildlands, I am also mapping the fungi I find on NAU campus. Johnson Lab Website Editor/Programmer Please email me if you have questions or comments regarding the website.
Email: glomus@gmail.com |
