Microbiomes at the Roots of Environmental and Social Justice

Withers 331 + Zoom | Dr. Choudoir explores the role of soil microbiomes in sustainable agriculture and why their conservation is essential for environmental and social justice.

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Mallory Choudoir, PhD

Assistant Professor & Soil Microbiome Extension Specialist at NC State University | Profile | Lab Dr. Mallory Choudoir is an Assistant Professor & Soil Microbiome Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology. She is a soil microbial ecologist and evolutionary biologist who explores the interaction between plants, microbes, and soil in agroecosystems. She completed her PhD work at Cornell University as well as postdoctoral positions at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She also worked as an industry research scientist at a Boston-based biotech company. Her applied research program at NC State aims to evaluate, innovate, and expand microbial solutions for sustainable agriculture. She is an active member of the Microbes and Social Equity Working Group (MSE), and her research values align with social, environmental, and climate justice.

Abstract

Environmental microbial communities carry out ecosystem functions critical for maintaining and enhancing plant, animal, human, and planetary health. For example, vibrant and productive food systems are fundamentally rooted in soils and soil microbiomes. Climate change, intensive agriculture practices, and the increasing demands of food systems threaten soil microbiome biodiversity and their important ecosystem functions. We are increasingly aware that disruption and degradation of microbiomes amplifies social inequity. Therefore, social and environmental justice must be prioritized while innovating microbial solutions to support sustainability goals. The concept of microbiome stewardship recognizes the importance of microbes in sustaining human and ecosystem health and emphasizes the need to conserve and protect them collectively at the societal level. Dr. Choudoir will discuss their vision for centering soil microbes in sustainable agriculture and building a research and engagement program that aligns with environmental and climate justice. Related links:

• Choudoir MJ, Eggleston EM. 2022. Reciprocal Inclusion of Microbiomes and Environmental Justice Contributes Solutions to Global Environmental Health Challenges. mSystems 7:e01462-21. https://doi.org/10.1128/msystems.01462-21.

The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes. GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Katie Barnhill and Nourou Barry, and we’re featuring a mostly student-led seminar series. Students will be taking the lead in identifying, inviting, and hosting most of the speakers, providing a great opportunity for them to build their networks and grow as professionals. To support their efforts, we encourage you to join our in-person seminars, which will now take place in Withers 331. Your presence makes a big difference in creating a supportive environment for our students. Remember, we regularly post colloquium seminars as videos on Panopto and on our GES Lectures podcast, allowing you to revisit or catch up on these recordings at your convenience. Please subscribe to the GES newsletter and LinkedIn for updates.

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