New soil biochemistry researcher

The School of Environmental Sciences (SES) is pleased to welcome Adam Gillespie as an assistant professor in soil biochemistry. Gillespie began in his role on October 15, 2018.

In this position, Gillespie will continue to work on research related to soil organic matter dynamics and nutrient cycling, particularly the carbon cycle. He will also advise graduate students and teach soil science courses at the graduate and undergraduate level.

"SES is very excited to welcome Adam,” says Prof. Jon Warland, director of SES. “He brings a diverse background in soil science, having completed his PhD at the University of Saskatchewan, worked as a post-doc at the Canadian Light Source synchotron in Saskatoon and for AAFC, and served as lead pedologist for the Ontario Soil Survey. His research in soil organic matter is an important contribution to understanding carbon cycling in the environment, and we look forward to many fruitful collaborations with him."

As a soil chemist, Gillespie’s research focuses on soil organic matter and soil health, which are essential to sustainable agriculture and ecosystem resilience. He has a strong interest in translating innovative research into practice, and other research interests include digital soil mapping, carbon modelling and outreach initiatives. 

“What excites me most about this position is the opportunity to put research ideas to work for the agriculture industry, and to do so with really great colleagues,” says Gillespie. 

Gillespie received his PhD and M.Sc. from the University of Saskatchewan and his B.Sc. from the University of Guelph (U of G). Gillespie returns to U of G  from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs where he worked as a Land Resource Specialist. He has published 14 peer-reviews papers and 3 book chapters.

“I’m looking forward to all the creative ideas that students will inevitably come up with,” says Gillespie. “I’m hoping to help students become really strong graduates from this program, and I’m hoping to have a research impact on how soil organic matter is understood.”