05/04/2021
By Susan Pryputniewicz

The Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology program invites you to attend a doctoral dissertation defense by Xiao Liu on “Factors affecting Methanogenic Pathways in Alaskan Peatlands across an Ombrotrophic-Minerotrophic Gradient."

Ph.D. Candidate: Xiao Liu
Date: Wednesday May 19, 2021
Time: 3 to 5 p.m.
Location: This will be a virtual defense via Zoom. Those interested in attending should contact the student xiao_liu@student.uml.edu and committee advisor Matthew_Nugent@uml.edu at least 24 hours prior to the defense to request access to the meeting.

Committee Chair (Advisor): Matthew A. Nugent, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Biological Science, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Committee Members:

  • David K. Ryan, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Xiaoqi (Jackie) Zhang, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Lin Zhang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi

Abstract:
Methane (CH4) is an important greenhouse gas just after carbon dioxide (CO2). Northern peatlands store ~30% of the terrestrial carbon and contribute 11% of total CH4 emission globally. In wetland soil, CH4 produces in the anaerobic layer with the existence of methanogens. Many factors influence the production, consumption, and emission of CH4, such as temperature, water table (WT), plant type, pH, or substrate. This research explores the relationship between different factors and the methanogenesis in Alaskan peatlands across an ombrotrophic-minerotrophic gradient through 4-years continuous in situ and lab incubation experiments.

All interested students and faculty members are invited to attend the online defense via remote access.