I research coastal salt marsh ecology and biogeochemistry. My current projects include studies of the impacts of anthropogenic disturbance (as N loading) on the emissions of greenhouse gases from salt marsh sediments. Nutrient loading (especially as nitrate) stimulates microbial respiration and can lead to substantial increases in fluxes of nitrous oxide (N2O) from salt marsh sediments to the atmosphere. This is a potent greenhouse gas as well as an agent of ozone destruction in the stratosphere. I aim to learn how management and reduction of N loads or restoration of coastal wetlands can minimize harmful feedbacks on climate change and maximize productivity of these valuable ecosystems.