
Soil-Plant Interactions in the McDaniel Lab

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Marshall McDaniel marsh@iastate.edu | google scholar
Associate Professor in Soil-Plant Interactions | Agronomy Department at Iowa State University
The fearless leader, and mischief maker.
Hobbies: My spare time is spent playing guitar and bass, mtn biking, playing board games (and card games).

Reid Barker rwbarker@iastate.edu
Research Scientist
Curious about water quality, soil health/conservation, and habitat conservation.
Hobbies: hunting, fishing, gardening, and cooking.
Professional & Scientific Staff

Tim Youngquist timyoung@iastate.edu
Agricultural Specialist
Curious about water quality, perennial crops, finding space for wildlife habitat within agricultural systems.
Hobbies: native plant propagation, ecological restoration, old house preservation, chickens, time with my family.

Matt Woods mwoods@iastate.edu
Agricultural Specialist
Curious about everything agronomy.
Hobbies: music, sports, and outdoor activities.
Postdoctoral Researchers

Hyeonji Song hyeonjis@iastate.edu | google scholar
Postdoctoral Researcher, Ph.D. in Soil Science
Curious about soil C & N dynamics in climate change, soil and plant interactions in different cropping systems.
Hobbies: travelling, playing drum, something historical, listening to music.

Sebastian Villarino sh4@iastate.edu | google scholar
Postdoctoral Researcher, Ph.D. in Agrarian Sciences
Curious about soil organic matter, soil ecology, and agriculture sustainability.
Hobbies: camping, hiking, and listening to music.
Graduate Students

Malcolm St Cyr mystcyr@iastate.edu | twitter
M.S. in Soil Science
Curious about soil formation and fertility, and using combination to manage soil-plant interactions.
Hobbies: discovering historical figures/places by reading or traveling, watching movies/documentaries, listening to music, and having conversations.

Summer Bjorn summ@iastate.edu
M.S. in Soil Science
Curious about nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and soil ecology.
Hobbies: playing pickleball and racquetball, weightlifting, volunteering, and playing board games with my husband.

Modestos Modestou modestou@iastate.edu
Ph. D. in Agronomy
Curious about intercropping and soil microbes.
Hobbies: hiking, swimming, reading, traveling, and playing Backgammon.

Mary Hendon mbhendon@iastate.edu
M.S. in Soil Science
Curious about regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices, plant-soil interactions, water quality, plant and soil dynamics, optimizing cropping systems, and tracking nitrogen and carbon cycling in the soil.
Hobbies: painting and mix media art, being outdoors, and making coffee.

Enzo Biotto ebiotto@iastate.edu
M.S. in Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Science
Curious about regenerative agriculture, soil fertility, and the interaction between crops, soil, and their environment.
Hobbies: swimming, spending time with friends and family, barbecuing, and outdoor activities.

Keyshell Cole Hodgson ejchksch@iastate.edu
M.S. in Horticulture
Curious about soil science, crop production, turfgrass management, and promoting sustainable practices.
Hobbies: exercising, crafts, baking, and cooking, enjoying fresh air, watching movies, and traveling.
Undergraduate Students

Marisol Argueta-Hernandez marisol1@iastate.edu
B.S. in Horticulture
Curious about sustainability and plant and floral recreation.
Hobbies: crafting, movie nights, and singing.

Grace Wetterling gracew27@iastate.edu
B.S. in Microbiology
Curious about plant, soil, and microbe interactions, the effects of cover cropping, and the future of our soils.
Hobbies: baking, cooking, reading, and puzzles.

Alexis Brinkman abrink22@iastate.edu
B.S. in Agronomy
Curious about plant and soil interaction, as well as corn and soybean genetics.
Hobbies: painting, hunting, reading, and hanging out with friends and family.

Marie Claire Ndefua mcaka@iastate.edu
B.S. in Genetics
Curious about soil microbiology, plant genetics, and the importance of different soil microbes in the overall soil health.
Hobbies: cooking, singing, baking, crocheting, and braiding.

Nathan Imig nmimig@iastate.edu
B.S. in Computer Science
Curious about generative AI and data structures.
Hobbies: running, playing the guitar, hanging out with friends, and playing video games.

Isabell Olsasky im2007@iastate.edu
B.S. in Agronomy
Curious about using soil to promote food security and learning about helping smallholder farmers on a global scale.
Hobbies: running, hiking, and reading.

Ashley Koenigs ashleylk@iastate.edu
B.S. in Environmental Science
Curious about sustainable agriculture systems and their effect on soil health.
Hobbies: Woodworking, running, camping, and outdoor activities.

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