MSU scientist recognized for outstanding work in soil physics
Print
EmailSasha Kravchenko, a professor in the MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, has received the Don and Betty Kirkham Soil Physics Award from the Soil Science Society of America.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Sasha Kravchenko, a professor in the Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, is the recipient of the Don and Betty Kirkham Soil Physics Award from the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA).
The distinction recognizes a mid-career scientist who has made outstanding contributions to soil physics. Honorees have engaged in significant soil physics research, taught soil physics at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and had a national and international influence on the industry. The award is supported by the Don and Betty Kirkham Fund, which was established through the Agronomic Science Foundation.
"Don and Betty Kirkham's award is the highest soil physics award in the U.S.,” Kravchenko said. “Ever since its inception in 1998, it has been given to amazing and accomplished researchers who I have looked up to. Since coming to the U.S. more than 20 years ago, I never thought that I would be among this incredible group of people to have received this award. I am truly grateful."
Kravchenko’s research focuses on the interactions among soil physics, chemistry and biology at both micro and macro scales. Her work emphasizes the role of soil architecture in enabling biological and biochemical drivers of soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions. Along with her research, she has taught more than 1,200 graduate students.
In addition to her membership with the SSSA, Kravchenko has served as an associate editor of the Soil Science Society of America Journal.
Kravchenko has authored or co-authored more than 110 journal articles and 170 conference presentations. She earned a doctorate from the University of Wyoming and a bachelor’s degree from Moscow State University in Moscow, Russia.
