Greg A. Barron-Gafford

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ85721

GregBG@email.arizona.edu

520-548-0388

 

Professional Profile:

Dedicated and results-oriented Research Scientist with proven strengths in organizing, designing and conducting field and laboratory environmental investigations with diverse groups of researchers on a variety of subjects.

• Well-versed in a range of sampling procedures and methodologies within an array of scientific disciplines including ecology, forestry, environmental science, and biology
• Diplomatically coordinated the many needs of researchers from a variety of international universities and institutions with a range of research objectives
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, MatLab (Mathmatics Laboratory), SigmaPlot, Power Point, Campbell Scientific data acquisition software, and ArcView
• Authored or co-authored 20 peer-reviewed manuscripts and have given a similar number of presentations on a variety of plant related subjects to a diverse array of audiences
• Strong educational background with 8 years of experience on which to build a professional research science career

 

Research and Field Experience:

Assistant Research Professor / Associate Research Scientist ~ (February 2010-Present), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721

• Manage and maintain an eddy covariance tower atop Mt. Bigelow in the Santa Catalina Mountains
• Assist in plant physiological and ecosystem ecology-based experiments within B2 and in coupled outside ecosystems

Research Specialist - (Dec 2003 - February 2010), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721

• Coordinated and carried-out research efforts of 3 professors, 4 graduate students, and 6 undergraduate research technicians
• Conducted research experiments in the Santa Rita Experimental Range, Tumamoc Hill/Desert Laboratory, Jornada Experimental Station, and Big Bend National Park
• Managed large databases of research data from multiple experiments
• Analyzed experimental data using a variety of statistical packages
• Assisted in the production of poster presentations for undergraduate students
• Procured laboratory and field supplies, maintained field vehicles, and assisted in the management of research budgets

Senior Research Specialist - Intensively-managed Forest Mesocosm (IFM) (2001–2003), Biosphere 2 Center, Columbia University, Oracle, Arizona 85623

• Designed, implemented, and coordinated research efforts conducted within the IFM and managed projects initiated by the IFM team and outside visiting researchers
• Statistically analyzed data and prepared 3 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 1 conference proceedings, and 7 invited talks
• Assisted in the authorship of 8 additional manuscripts and 11 invited talks
• Conducted monthly research measurements including soil nitrogen levels, soil bulk density, plant biomass censuses, and managed files of continuously logged environmental data
• Performed administrative functions including participating in projecting and managing 5 budgets ranging from $50,000 to $95,000
• Anticipated needs of scientists, procured lab space, and ordered all supplies and equipment
• Supervised, monitored, and coordinated work of 2 Research Scientists, 7 field/lab workers, 5 student interns, and 2 project-based field crews (of 5 members each)

Research Technician (January, 2001 – July, 2001), University of Georgia , Warnell School of Forest Resources, Athens, Georgia 30602

• Implemented field experiment focused on nutrient competition among several tree species
• Led project relating foliar nutrient concentration and reflected light using results from samples run in a C,N,S nutrient analyzer and a Near Infrared (NIR) spectrophotometer
• Collected over 850 soil samples in the field and processed them in the laboratory using mills/grinders, analytical balances, and soil sieves
• Carried out laboratory procedures on soils to determine pH (water and salt), exchangeable cations and exchangeable acidity and conducted double acid, Ammonium acetate, and KCl extractions to determine nutrient and elemental concentrations in the soils
• Conducted online and library research for Primary Investigator

Graduate Research Assistant (August, 1998 – December, 2000), University of Georgia , Warnell School of Forest Resources, Athens, Georgia 30602

• Designed and implemented field experiment for thesis focusing on nutrient budgets and examining relationships between stand nutrient concentrations and growth of pine stands
• Authored or co-authored 3 peer-reviewed manuscripts and an equal number of invited talks
• Collected and processed approximately 700 foliar, bark, wood, soil, and root samples
• Calibrated and used numerous pieces of equipment including balances, Wiley Mill, ball mill, a C,N,S nutrient analyzer, and a hydropneumatic root elutiator.
• Supervised three undergraduate laboratory assistants aiding in data processing

Independent Research Consultant (July, 1999 – July, 2001), University of Georgia , Warnell School of Forest Resources, Athens, Georgia 30602

• Managed logistics of consulting case examining root biomass of pecan stands in Texas
• Washed, counted, and weighed over 500 samples to determine pine roots abundance
• Supervised three undergraduate research assistants and managed growing databases
• Accurately entered and processed data within Excel files
• Prepared presentation for court illustrating sample processing steps and materials used

Undergraduate Research Assistant (May, 1997 - December, 1997), Texas Christian University, Department of Biology, Ft. Worth, Texas

• Assisted primary investigator with research in Sam Houston State Park, Huntsville, Texas
• Conducted field measurements for area mapping
• Collected wood increment cores and other samples
• Assisted in the processing of samples in the lab and organizing of data for statistical analysis

 

Education :

Masters of Science (August, 1998 – December, 2000) Warnell School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences (August, 1994 - May, 1998) Texas Christian University,Ft. Worth, TX

 

Peer Reviewed Manuscripts:

Huxman TE, Barron-Gafford GA, Gerst KL, Angert AL, Tyler AP, and Venable DL (2008) Photosynthetic resource-use efficiency and demographic variability in desert winter annual plants. Ecology, 89 (6),1554-1563.

Venable DL, Flores-Martinez A, Muller-Landau HC, Barron-Gafford GA, and Becerra JX (2008). Seed dispersal of desert annuals. Ecology, 89 (8), 2218-2227.

Zou CB, Barron-Gafford GA, and Breshears (2007). Effects of topography and woody plant canopy cover on near-ground solar radiation: Relevant energy inputs for ecohydrology and hydropedology. Geophysical Research Letters, 34 (24) Article Number: L24S21

Pegoraro E, Potosnak MJ, Monson RK, Rey A, Barron-Gafford GA and Osmond CB (2007). The effect of elevated CO₂, soil and atmospheric water deficit and seasonal phenology on leaf and ecosystem isoprene emission. Functional Plant Biology, 34 (9), 774-784.

GA Barron-Gafford, KA Grieve, and R Murthy (2007). Leaf- and stand-level responses of a forested mesocosm to independent manipulations of temperature and vapor pressure deficit. New Phytologist, 174 (3), 614-625.

Patrick L, Cable J, Potts D, Ignace D, Barron-Gafford G, Griffith A, Alpert H, Van Gestel N, Robertson T, Huxman TE, Zak J, Loik ME, and Tissue D (2007). Effects of an increase in summer precipitation on leaf, soil, and ecosystem fluxes of CO₂ and H₂O in a sotol grassland in Big Bend National Park, Texas. Oecologia 151 (4), 704-718.

Angert AL, Huxman TE, Barron-Gafford GA, Gerst KL, and Venable DL (2007). Linking growth strategies to long-term population dynamics in a guild of desert annuals. Journal of Ecology, 95 (2), 321–331.

Hartley IP, Armstrong AF, Murthy R, Barron-Gafford GA, Ineson P, and Atkin AK (2006). The dependence of respiration on photosynthetic substrate supply and temperature: integrating leaf, soil and ecosystem measurements. Global Change Biology, 12 (10) 1954–1968.

Lipson DA, Blair M, Barron-Gafford GA, Grieve K, and Murthy R. (2006) Relationships between microbial community structure and soil processes under elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide. Microbial Ecology, 51, 302–314.

N. Druart, M. Rodríguez-Buey, G. Barron-Gafford, A. Sjödin, R. Bhalerao, C. B. Osmond, and V. Hurry (2006). Molecular targets of elevated [CO2] in leaves and stems of Populus deltoides: implications for future tree growth and carbon sequestration. Functional Plant Biology 33 (2), 121–131.

G. A. Barron-Gafford, D. Martens, J.E.T. McLain, K. A. Grieve, and R. Murthy (2005). Growth of eastern cottonwoods (Populus deltoides) in elevated CO₂ stimulates stand-level respiration and rhizodeposition of carbohydrates, accelerates soil nutrient depletion, yet stimulates above and belowground biomass production. Global Change Biology, 11 (8), 1220-1233.

Pegoraro E, Abrell L, van Haren J, Barron-Gafford G, Grieve K, Malhi Y, Murthy R, and Lin G. (2005) Soils as isoprene sinks: closing the plant-atmosphere-soil cycle. Global Change Biology, 11 (8), 1234-1246.

Murthy R, Barron -Gafford G, Dougherty PM , Engel VC , Grieve K, Handley L, Klimas C, Potosnak MJ, Zarnoch SJ, and Zhang J. (2005) Increased leaf area dominates carbon flux response to elevated CO₂ in stands of Populus deltoides (Bartr.) and underlies a switch from canopy light-limited CO₂ influx in well-watered treatments to individual leaf, stomatally-limited influx under water stress. Global Change Biology, 11 (5), 716-731.

Pegoraro E, Rey A, Barron-Gafford GA, Monson R, Malhi Y, and Murthy R (2005). The interacting effects of elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration, drought and leaf-to-air vapour pressure deficit on ecosystem isoprene fluxes. Oecologia, 146 (1), 120-129.

Walter A, Christ MM, Barron-Gafford G, Grieve K, Paige T, Murthy R, and Rascher U (2005) The effect of elevated CO₂ on diel leaf growth cycle, leaf carbohydrate content and canopy growth performance of Populus deltoides.Global Change Biology, 11 (8), 1207-1219.

Pegoraro E, Rey A, Murthy R, Bobich EG, Barron-Gafford G, Grieve K, and Malhi YC. (2004) Effect of elevated CO₂ concentration and vapor pressure deficit on isoprene emission from leaves of Populus deltoides during drought. Functional Plant Biology, 31, 1137-1147.

Barron-Gafford, G. A. , R. E. Will, E. C. Burkes, B. Shiver, and R. O. Teskey, 2003. Nutrient concentrations and contents, and their relation to stem growth, of intensively managed Pinus taeda and Pinus elliottii stands of different planting densities. Forest Science, 49 (2) 291-300.

Burkes, E.C., R. E. Will, G. A. Barron-Gafford, R. O. Teskey, and B. Shiver, 2003. Biomass partitioning and growth efficiency of intensively managed Pinus taeda and Pinus elliottii stands of different planting densities. Forest Science, 49 (2) 224-234.

Will, R. E., G. A. Barron, E. C. Burkes, B. Shiver and R. O. Teskey, 2001. Relationship between intercepted radiation, net photosynthesis, respiration, and rate of stem volume growth of Pinus taeda and Pinus elliottii stands of different densities. Forest Ecology and Management, 154, 155-163.

 

Submitted

Huxman TE, GA Barron-Gafford, KL Gerst, AL Angert, AP Tyler and DL Venable (2008, in press). Photosynthetic resource-use efficiency and demographic variability in Sonoran Desert winter annuals. Ecology.

EG Bobich, GA Barron-Gafford, and R Murthy. Water use and plant sap flux responses to drought and humidity for cottonwoods under current and increased CO₂ concentrations. (in revision for Functional Plant Biology).

 

Conference Proceedings

G. A. Barron-Gafford , C. B. Osmond, K. Grieve, D. Lipson, and R. Murthy (2005). Elevated CO2 differentially effects photosynthesis and carbon balance in poplar stands, a four year study. In: van der Est, A. and Bruce, D. (eds).  Photosynthesis: Fundamental Aspects to Global Perspectives: Proceedings 13 th International Congress on Photosynthesis. ACG Publishing (Photosynthesis and Global Change, 973-976).

Armstrong, AF, Hartley, IP, Ineson, P, Barron-Gafford , GA, Murthy, R and Atkin, OK (2005).  Can climate driven changes in photosynthesis be used to predict changes in the rate and temperature sensitivity of ecosystem respiration?  In: van der Est, A. and Bruce, D. (eds).  Photosynthesis: Fundamental Aspects to Global Perspectives: Proceedings 13 th International Congress on Photosynthesis., ACG Publishing (Photosynthesis and Global Change, 958-959).

Will, R. E., G. A. Barron-Gafford, R. O. Teskey, and B. Shiver. Within and Between Canopy Variability of Foliar Nitrogen Concentrations for Loblolly and Slash Pine Stands Planted at Different Densities. Biennial Southern Silviculture Conference proceedings. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–71. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 407-410.

 

Invited Talks / Presentations:

Barron-Gafford, G.A. and D.D. Breshears. Relative Influence of Canopy Cover and Topography on Solar Radiation Input an Ecosystem. University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona. March, 2006.

Barron-Gafford, G.A. and T.E. Huxman. Differential Capacity to Respond to Herbivory in Seedlings Resulting from Self- and Cross-Pollination. University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona. December, 2005.

Barron-Gafford, G.A., G. Davidowitz, and U. Rascher. The Effects of Herbivory in a Plant/Insect Relationship as Measured Using Fluorescence Imaging. University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona. October, 2005.

Barron-Gafford, G.A., B.O. Osmond, and R. Murthy. Environmental influences on soil nutrient depletion, photosynthesis, and water use in a Populus deltoides ecosystem. International Congress on Photosynthesis. Montreal, Quebec, Canada. September, 2004.

Barron-Gafford, G.A., K.A. Grieve, K. Bil, V. Kueyarov, L. Handley, and R. Murthy. Above- and Below-ground Biomass, Net Ecosystem Carbon Exchange, and Soil Respiration in a Poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr.) stand : Changes after 3 years of Growth under Elevated CO 2 . American Geophysical Union. San Francisco, California. December, 2003.

J.D. Marshall, G.A. Barron-Gafford, K. Grieve, and R. Murthy. Testing an Isotopic Mass Balance for Enclosed Ecosystems at Biosphere II. Stable isotopic signals of the terrestrial biosphere: Linking ecosystem C fluxes to isotopic signals of plant components. Orvieto, Italy. November, 2003.

Barron-Gafford, G.A., K.A. Grieve, T.E. Paige, E. G. Bobich, R. L. Patterson, J. D. Marshall, and R. Murthy. Influence of Drought and VPD on Net Ecosystem Carbon Exchange and CO 2 Uptake of Cottonwoods. Ecological Society of America. Savannah, Georgia. August, 2003.

Grieve, K.A., G. A. Barron-Gafford, E. G. Bobich, R. L. Patterson, J. D. Marshall, and R. Murthy. Canopy transpiration and conductance during increasing soil water stress and cycles of VPD. Ecological Society of America. Savannah, Georgia. August, 2003.

E. G. Bobich, Grieve, K.A., G. A. Barron-Gafford, and R. Murthy. Sap flux responses to drought and humidity for cottonwoods under current and increased CO 2 concentrations. Ecological Society of America. Savannah, Georgia. August, 2003.

J. D. Marshall, G. A. Barron-Gafford, K.A. Grieve, and R. Murthy. Toward an isotopic mass-balance for carbon for cottonwood (Populus deltoides) plantations grown under CO 2-enrichment. Ecological Society of America. Savannah, Georgia. August, 2003.

Wolf, J., G. A. Barron-Gafford, and R. Murthy. Elevated CO 2 increases sporocarp production and intraradicle sporulation of one AMF species at Biosphere 2. Ecological Society of America. Savannah, Georgia. August, 2003.

A. Walter, M. M. Christ, G. A. Barron-Gafford, and R. Murthy. Diurnal leaf growth variations in Populus deltoides grown at different external CO 2-concentrations. Ecological Society of America. Savannah, Georgia. August, 2003.

E. Pegoraro, R. Murthy, G. A. Barron-Gafford, K. Grieve, and J. Van Haren. Effect of CO 2 and VPD on isoprene emissions during drought in a Populus deltoides ecosystem. Ecological Society of America. Savannah, Georgia. August, 2003.

A. Wright , R. Murthy, G. A. Barron-Gafford, K. Grieve, T. E. Paige, R. L. Patterson , K. L. Griffin. Biosphere2 Center - A Large Scale Controlled Environment Facility for Experimental Science. Ecological Society of America. Savannah, Georgia. August, 2003.

L. Dane, D. Lipson, S. Strahm, R. Wilson, R. Murthy, G. Barron-Gafford. Effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on soil microbes in the Intensive Forestry Biome of Biosphere2. Ecological Society of America. Savannah, Georgia. August, 2003.

Barron-Gafford, G. A., V.N. Kudeyarov, K.Y. Bil', V.M. Semenov, R. Murthy, Linda Handley. Effect of elevated CO 2 concentration on soil respiration and above and belowground biomass productivity. Ecological Society of America. Savannah, Georgia. August, 2003.

Barron-Gafford, G. A., K.A. Grieve, T.E. Paige, R.L. Patterson, and R. Murthy. Influence of Atmospheric Vapor Pressure Deficit and Drought on Net Ecosystem Carbon Exchange, Sap Flux, Carbon Dioxide Uptake, and Transpiration of Eastern Cottonwoods at Leaf and Stand Level. North American Forest Ecology Workshop. Corvallis, Oregon. June, 2003.

Murthy, R., A. Wright , G. Barron-Gafford, K. Grieve, T. Paige, R. Patterson , K. Griffin. The Intensive Forestry Mesocosm at Biosphere2 Center - A tool for Large Scale Controlled Environment Facility for Experimental Science. North American Forest Ecology Workshop. Corvallis, Oregon. June, 2003.

Will, R. E., G. A. Barron, R. O. Teskey, and B. Shiver. Within and Between Canopy Variability of Foliar Nitrogen Concentrations for Loblolly and Slash Pine Stands Planted at Different Densities. Biennial Southern Silviculture Conference. Biloxi, Mississippi. February, 2003.

G.A Barron-Gafford, K.A. Grieve, T.E. Paige, R.L. Patterson, R. Murthy, and K.L. Griffin. Influence of elevated CO 2 on carbon storage, water use, and gas exchange of Eastern cottonwoods. Ecological Society of America. Tucson, Arizona. August, 2002.

G.A Barron-Gafford, K.A. Grieve, T.E. Paige, R.L. Patterson, R. Murthy, and K.L. Griffin. Influence of Temperature and Vapor Pressure Deficit on Photosynthesis, Conductance, Transpiration and Water Stress of Eastern Cottonwoods at leaf, tree, and stand scales. North American Forest Biology Workshop. Pullman, Washington. July, 2002.

K.A. Grieve, G.A Barron-Gafford, T.E. Paige, R.L. Patterson, R. Murthy, and K.L. Griffin. Influence of elevated CO 2 on the Carbon Storage, Water Use, and Gas Exchange of Eastern Cottonwoods Grown in the Controlled System of the Biosphere 2 Center. North American Forest Biology Workshop. Pullman, Washington. July, 2002.

G. A. Barron , R. O. Teskey, and R. E. Will. The effects of increasing stand density on nutrient limitations to growth and nutrient budgets in Loblolly and Slash pine stands. University of Georgia. December, 2000.

G. A. Barron , R. O. Teskey, and R. E. Will. Foliar nutrient contents and concentrations and their relation to stem volume growth in Pinus taeda L. and Pinus elliottii Engelm. stands of differing densities. Ecological Society of America. Snowbird, Utah. August, 2000.

 

Professional Memberships:

International Society of Photosynthesis Research

Ecological Society of America

American Geophysical Union

 

Awards and Honors:

2004 – College of Science Staff Advisory Council UA Star Award

2000 - Xi Sigma Pi (Natural Resources Honor Society)

1998 - Environmental Sciences Honors Student of the Year

1997 - Sigma XI (Honors Society for Research in the Natural Sciences)

1997 - Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society

1997 - Golden Key International Honor Society

 

Professional Service:

Manuscript Referee for: Global Change Biology, New Phytologist, Plant Cell and the Environment, and Western North American Naturalist