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My research as a biogeochemist
includes both laboratory and field projects that employ a range of
analytical chemical techniques including gas chromatography and mass
spectrometry, electrochemistry, microbiology, and in-situ
measurements to study microbial processes in natural
systems. Specifically, I investigate complex surfacial earth systems
such as soils and sediments, the biotic and abiotic controls on
these systems, and the associated anthropogenic influences.
My work includes emphasis on the C, |
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Currently, my research group, the BGERG, is researching four major Biogeochemical projects: 1). the spatial extent and duration of hypoxia in Weeks Bay, AL and the interactions/influences on the associated sediment geochemistry 2). the impact of sulfides on the toxicity, fate, and transport of mercury in Mobile Bay, AL sediments 3). the production of biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soils, where the effect of environmental factor perturbation on microbial VOC metabolite production and community composition shift in a variety of landscapes is being researched 4). the biogeochemical character and structure of microbial mats in hypersaline ponds in San Salvador, Bahamas.
My research in geoscience education and geocognition explores questions concerning the human understanding of complex and dynamic earth system and their interactions (e.g., global climate change, eutrophication, water resources, energy, etc). As such, my research includes three major areas: 1) the study of the impact of various pedagogical methods including inquiry-, technology-, data-, field-, and game-based activities on students’ conceptual model development and understanding of these systems using an array of qualitative and quantitative evaluation and assessment measures, 2). the implementation and evaluation of teacher professional development programs and their effectiveness on the in-service teacher and the classroom student, and 3) the development and evaluation of learning environments that support minorities, under-represented groups, and K-20 learners to pursue careers in the geosciences using strategies that serve to enhance students' experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives about the geosciences.
I am originally from Chicago, IL and outside of my research and teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and cat, hiking, fishing, exercising, scuba diving, and most other outdoor activities.
Education
Experience
Publications Peer-Reviewed: McNeal, K.S. and Anderson, R. 2011. Adaptation and Development of Community Members. In A Learning Ecology Model to Promote Science Education Leadership (Eds. S. Knight and J. Schielack) Teachers College Press.: submitted. Ezell, J.E., McNeal, K.S., Phipps, S., 2011. A Diurnal and Spatial Assessment of the Water Column and Sediment Biogeochemistry during Seasonal Hypoxic Conditions in Weeks Bay, Alabama. Estuaries and Coasts: submitted. Ledley, T.S., E Bardar, K. McNeal, J. Libarkin, K. Ellins, N. Haddad, C Comer, Confronting the Challenges of Teaching Climate Science, Proceedings of the 6th International Geoscience Education Conference, Johannesburg, South Africa, September 2010: submitted. Puckett, M.K., McNeal, K.S., Kirkland, B.L., Corley, M., and J.E. Ezell 2011. Evidence of biogeochemical stratification and carbonate precipitation in hypersaline microbial mats (Salt Pond, San Salvador, The Bahamas), Aquatic Geochemistry. [Abstract] Miller, H.R., McNeal, K.S., and Herbert, B.E. 2009. Student’s Conceptual Model Development of Coastal Sand-Sediment Transport During Authentic Science Inquiry in an Introductory Physical Geology Course. Journal of Geography in Higher Education 34: 595-615 [Abstract] Sherman-Morris, K., Schumacher, A., Drobot, S., and McNeal, K. 2009. Pet care providers hurricane preparedness in the Houston and New Orleans metropolitan areas: An investigation of the Ike ad Gustav storm events. International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters 28: 245-367. [Abstract] Gardner, W.S., McCarthy, M.J., Carini, S.A., McNeal, K.S., Puckett, M.K., and Pennington, J. 2009. Collection of intact sediment cores with overlying water to study nitrogen- and oxygen-dynamics in regions with seasonal hypoxia. Continental Shelf Research: 29: 2207-2213. [Abstract] McNeal K.S. and Herbert B.E. 2008. Volatile organic metabolites as indicators of microbial community composition shifts. Soil Science Society of America Journal 73:579-588 [Abstract] McNeal K.S., Miller H.R., and Herbert B.E. 2008. Developing non-science majors’ conceptual models of complex Earth systems in a physical geology course. Journal of Geoscience Education 56: 201-211 [Abstract] McCarthy M.J., McNeal K.S., Gardner W.S., Morse J.W. 2008. Bottom-water hypoxia effects on sediment-water interface nitrogen transformations in a seasonally hypoxic, shallow bay (Corpus Christi Bay, Texas, USA). Estuaries and Coasts 31:521-531. [Abstract] Sell K.S., Herbert B.E., Stuessy C., and Schielack J. 2006. Supporting student conceptual model development of complex earth systems through the use of multiple representations and inquiry. Journal of Geoscience Education 54: 396-407. [Abstract] Sell K.S. and Morse J.W. 2006. Influences of seasonal hypoxia on iron and sulfur biogeochemistry in coastal sediments. Aquatic Geochemistry. 12: 179-198. [Abstract] Gardner W.S., McCarthy M.J., Sobolev D., Soonmo A., Sell K.S. and Brock D. 2005. Nitrogen fixation and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) support nitrogen dynamics in Texas estuaries. Limnology and Oceanography. 51: 558-568. [Abstract] Morse J.W., DiMarco S.F., Hebert A.B., Sell K.S. 2003. A scaling approach to spatial variability in early diagenetic processes. Hydrobiologia. 494: 25-29. [Abstract] Morse J.W., DiMarco S.F., Sell K.S. and Herbert A.B. 2003. Determination of the optimum sampling intervals in sediment pore waters using the autocovariance function. Aquatic Geochemistry. 9: 41-57. [Abstract] Morse J.W., Gledhill D.K., Sell K.S., and Arvidson R.S. 2002. Pyritization of iron in sediments from the continental slope of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Aquatic Geochemistry. 8: 3-13. [Abstract] Byrne R.H., Xuewu L., Kaltenbacher E.A., Sell K.S., 2002. Spectrophotometric measurement of total inorganic carbon in aqueous solutions using liquid core waveguide. Analytica Chimica Acta. 451: 221-229. [Abstract] Morse J.W., Gledhill D.K., Sell K.S. and Arvidson R.S. 2001. Reaction kinetics of iron with sulfide in anoxic marine sediments from unique biologic environments. In: The Biogeochemistry of Iron Cycling in Natural Environments. Zhang, Coates (eds.), Kluwer Academic, New York. Hopkins A.E., Sell K.S., Soli A.L., and Byrne R.H. 2000. In-situ spectrophotometric pH measurements: the effect of pressure on thymol blue protonation and absorbance characteristics. Marine Chemistry. 71: 103-109. [Abstract]
Technical Reports: Schumacher, A., Sherman-Morris, K., McNeal, K., and Drobot, S. 2009. Pet Care Professionals’ Preparedness for, Response to and Utilization of Resources During Hurricane Gustav. Quick Response Report. Boulder, CO: University of Colorado Natural Hazards Center. http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/research/qr/
Martin, J.L., Evans, D.W., McAnally, W.H., McNeal, K.S., Horton, M. 2009. Evaluation of the Factors Affecting the Fate and Transport of Mercury in Coastal Estuaries with a Focus on Mobile Bay. Northern Gulf Institute. http://www.northerngulfinstitute.org/research/shortabstract.php?pid=42
Editorials: McNeal K.S. 2010. Editorial: The Earth science gap in K-12 Education. Journal of Geoscience Education 58: 197. Libarkin, J., Elkins, J.T., McNeal K.S., St. John, K. 2010. Editorial: What role do geoscientists play in society? Journal of Geoscience Education, 58: 1-1.
Theses and Dissertations: McNeal K.S. 2007. Understanding complex earth systems: volatile metabolites as microbial ecosystem proxies and student conceptual model development of coastal eutrophication. Doctoral Dissertation, Texas A&M University. pp. 1-172. Sell K.S. 2003. Temporal influences of seasonal hypoxia on sediment biogeochemistry in coastal waters. Masters Thesis, Texas A&M University. pp. 1-142. Sell K.S. 2000. In-situ spectrophotometric pH measurements: the use of thymol blue indicator in both high pressure and long pathlength cells to determine the CO2 parameters of seawater. Undergraduate Thesis, Eckerd College. pp. 1-50.
Professional Memberships The Geochemical Society Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists Sigma Gamma Epsilon Soil Science Society of America National Association of Geoscience Teachers American Society of Limnology & Oceanography American Geophysical Union Geological Society of America |
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Department of Geosciences • 109 Hilbun Hall • P.O. Box 5448 • Mississippi State, MS 39762-5448 phone: 662-325-3915 • fax: 662-325-9423 |