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Faculty Labs

  • The Interdisciplinary Hydrology Laboratory: The Interdisciplinary Hydrology Laboratory (IHL) is located at  West Virginia University (WVU) in the Divisions of Plant and Soil Sciences, and Forestry and Natural Resources of the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, & Design, and works in close association with the WVU Institute of Water Security and Science (IWSS). Our mission is to improve understanding of hydrologic processes and management and security of water resources globally. (Dr. Jason Hubbart) 
  • The Morrissey Lab: Within natural systems, microbial activities profoundly influences the cycling of the elements essential for life including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, and manganese. Yet our understanding of these organisms remains woefully incomplete. The Morrissey Lab at WVU focuses on characterizing microorganisms and communities in order to better understand how microbes and their activities influence our world. (Dr. Ember Morrissey)
  • The Mountain Hydrology Lab : In this lab, we focus on all aspects of water resources with a particular emphasis on watershed processes, patterns, and trends to ultimately understand how freshwater ecosystems and services respond to environmental change (disturbance) and climate change. (Dr. Nicolas Zegre)
  • Olfert Lifestyle Intervention Research Lab : The Olfert Research Lab specializes in lifestyle intervention research approaches for the prevention of chronic diseases across one’s lifespan. Our research team studies lifestyle behavioral interventions to reduce risk of disease and existing disease. These conditions include obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes in at-risk populations, particularly those of health disparate regions. (Dr. Melissa Olfert)
  • Parasite Immunology Lab : Parasite-immunology is the integration of two disciplines: the study of parasites (parasitology) and the study of an organism’s response to challenge and the recognition of self versus non-self, to answer scientific questions regarding the intricate and complex nature of host-parasite interactions. This lab’s research examines nutritional, genetic and cellular aspects of parasite immunology. The focus of its research is to aid producers in managing parasitism in their sheep flocks. The lab has approached that problem from the aspect of how can sheep be made more resistant to parasitism as opposed to managing parasitism using therapeutics. (Dr. Scott Bowdridge)
  • The Rota Quantitative Ecology Lab : Understanding how species are distributed in space is fundamental to many conservation and management problems. We are interested in understanding how environmental variables and ecological processes shape spatial distribution of species. In turn, we seek to understand how space use influences demographic rates. As part of this process, we enjoy development of novel statistical techniques to address these questions. (Dr. Chris Rota)
  • Tou Lab : The Tou Lab is a part of the Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences at West Virginia University within the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design. We are the only basic sciences human nutrition lab at WVU, with projects rooted in nutrition, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and food science. We specialize in studies focused on kidney and bone health, fatty liver disease, bioactive compounds in food, and evaluating the nutritional value and safety of food items traditionally considered "waste products." (Dr. Janet Tou)
  • Wild Genomics Lab : The focus of the research in our laboratory is conserving genetic diversity in wild and captive populations of fish and wildlife. We view genetics as an important tool in the conservation biology toolbox, providing managers and biologists with answers that help guide management decisions. In order to make our research directly applicable to on-the-ground conservation, we are working closely with agencies to identify critical research needs for native species and to translate our results into management actions. As new technologies become available to conservation geneticists, we are beginning to apply genomic approaches to better understand biodiversity. (Dr. Amy Welsh) 
  • Wildlife Conservation Lab : The Wildlife Conservation Lab, part of West Virginia University - School of Natural Resources and the US Forest Service - Northern Research Station, conducts applied research to better understand — and predict — responses of wildlife to environmental changes. We provide science-based knowledge that can be used to assist with conservation efforts for vulnerable species and communities. (Dr. Donald Brown)