Colleen Iversen
About Colleen Iversen
Colleen Iversen is a Senior Staff Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where she has worked since 2016, focusing on fine-root production and its impact on soil carbon storage and nutrient cycling. She holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and has conducted research across various ecosystems, including temperate forests and arctic tundra.
Work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Colleen Iversen has been employed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory since 2016, serving as a Senior Staff Scientist. In this role, she focuses on fine-root production and mortality, examining their effects on soil carbon storage and nutrient cycling across various ecosystems. Her research encompasses diverse ecosystems, including temperate forests, boreal peatlands, and arctic tundra. Prior to her current position, she worked as a Staff Scientist from 2010 to 2016 and as a Post-doctoral Research Associate from 2008 to 2010.
Education and Expertise
Colleen Iversen earned her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she studied from 2003 to 2008. Her academic background provides a strong foundation for her research on belowground carbon and nutrient cycling, particularly at the root-soil interface. This expertise supports her investigations into the impacts of atmospheric and climatic changes on ecosystem dynamics.
Research Focus
Iversen's research primarily investigates the effects of environmental change on nutrient limitation, ecosystem production, and carbon partitioning. She specifically studies fine-root production and mortality, which are critical for understanding soil carbon storage and nutrient cycling. Her work contributes to the broader understanding of how ecosystems respond to climatic variations and their implications for carbon dynamics.
Background
Colleen Iversen has a substantial background in ecological research, particularly in the context of climate change and its effects on ecosystems. Her career at Oak Ridge National Laboratory spans over a decade, during which she has transitioned from a Post-doctoral Research Associate to her current role as a Senior Staff Scientist. This progression reflects her growing expertise and contributions to the field of ecology.