Does forest leaf litter or landscape dominate decomposition rate?

From agriculture to forests or lakes, the microorganisms responsible for decomposing dead leaf and other organic matter have favorite foods.  Decomposers love nutrient-rich food low in lignin, a compound known for making woody structures that prevent decomposition.  Microorganisms also like enough water but not too much, which might happen in damp depressions or organic-rich mats of leaf litter.  We seek an undergraduate student to assist with measurements of soil and leaf litter qualities relevant for decomposition across a topographically diverse New England forest.  Our end-goal is to determine whether the leaf “yumminess” or the forest landscape drives decomposition more strongly. 

 

Name of research group, project, or lab
The Naughton Lab
Website
https://websites.umass.edu/hnaughton/
Why participate in this opportunity?

This work will introduce the student to key concepts and skills related to soil science, (forest) ecology, and nutrient cycling.  It will teach proper lab etiquette, organization, and reporting.  The student will have opportunities to continue on related projects if they enjoy their experience or use what they learned to find their ideal research area.  

Logistics Information:
Field(s) of Study
Earth Systems
Ecology and Environmental Sustainability
Plant and Soil Science
Student ranks applicable
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications

We seek a curious and internally motivated student who wants to learn about our project and develop research skills.  Fine motor skills, patience, respect for ethical data collection, and self-reflection are key skills for students in our lab.  Introductory background in Biology or Ecology, Environmental Science, Chemistry (inorganic or organic), and Soil Science is helpful but not required.  The ideal candidate will be available to work for 3 or 6 hours a week in 3-hour chunks.     

Time commitment
1-4 h/wk
5-7 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Credit for Research and Teaching
Number of openings
1
Techniques learned

The student will work under the direction of an M.S. student who has perfected the methods to be used.  Methods include soil moisture analysis, soil nutrient analysis, litter decomposition calculations, and litter nutrient analyses.  Daily tasks will include grinding, sieving and weighing soils and litters, micro-balancing small portions of sample for elemental analysis, maintaining project dishware, and chemical extractions of soil nutrients including nitrogen.  Schedule-permitting, several opportunities for field work at the Harvard Forest site (45 min drive) will be available this semester. 

 

Project start
9/8/2026
Contact Information:
Mentors
Hannah Naughton
hnaughton@umass.edu
Principal Investigator
Halina Saydam
hsaydam@umass.edu
Graduate Student
Name of project director or principal investigator
Hannah Naughton
Email address of project director or principal investigator
hnaughton@umass.edu
1 sp. | 10 appl.
Time commitment
1-4 h/wk (+1)
1-4 h/wk5-7 h/wk
Field(s) of Study
Ecology and Environmental Sustainability (+2)
Earth SystemsEcology and Environmental SustainabilityPlant and Soil Science