| pastore_cv_oct2023.pdf |
EDUCATION
The University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, August 2020
Cumulative GPA: 4.00
Dissertation title: Impacts of global changes on leaf-level physiology of plant functional groups and ecosystem carbon storage
Advisors: Drs. Sarah Hobbie and Peter Reich
Villanova University, Villanova, PA
M.S. in Biology, Sep. 2015
Cumulative GPA: 3.97
Thesis title: Nitrogen retention and greenhouse gas mitigation of a brackish marsh under global change
Advisor: Dr. Adam Langley
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
B.S. in Biology, Ecology Option, May 2013
Cumulative GPA: 3.67
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
Research Ecologist, USDA Forest Service, April 2023 – present
Northern Research Station, Forest Inventory and Analysis
Research Assistant, University of New Hampshire, March 2023 – April 2023
Postdoctoral Associate, University of Vermont, Sep. 2020 – March 2023
Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
Gund Institute for Environment
Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant, University of Minnesota, Aug. 2015 – Aug. 2020
Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant, Villanova University, Aug. 2013 – Aug. 2015
PUBLICATIONS
Pastore, MA, Classen, AT, Frey, SD, English, ME, Rand, K, Adair, EC. Soil microbial legacies influence freeze-thaw responses of soil. Functional Ecology (IF: 6.282). (2023). https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2435.14273.
Hudson, AR, Peters, DPC, Blair, JM, Childers, DL, Doran, PT, Geil, K, Gooseff, M, Gross, KL, Haddad, NM, Pastore, MA, Rudgers, JA, Sala, O, Seabloom, EW, Shaver, G. Cross-site comparisons of dryland ecosystem response to climate change in the US Long-term Ecological Research network. BioScience (IF: 11.566). biab134 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biab134.
Pastore, MA. Bringing the underground to the surface: Climate change stressors negatively affect plant growth, with contrasting above and belowground physiological responses. Plant, Cell & Environment (IF: 7.947). 45: 2267-2270 (2022). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/pce.14379.
Pastore, MA, Adair, EC, Classen, AT, D’Amato, AW, Foster, JR. Cold-air pools as microrefugia for ecosystem functions in the face of climate change. Ecology (IF: 6.433). 103: e3717 (2022). https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ecy.3717.
Pastore, MA, Hobbie, SH, Reich, PB. Sensitivity of grassland carbon pools to plant diversity, elevated CO2, and soil nitrogen addition over 19 years. In revision at Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (IF: 12.779). 118: e2016965118 (2021). https://www.pnas.org/content/118/17/e2016965118.
Reich, PB, Hobbie, SH, Lee, TD, Rich, R, Pastore, MA, Worm, K. Synergistic effects of four climate change drivers on terrestrial carbon cycling. Nature Geoscience. (IF: 21.531). 13: 787-793 (2020). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-020-00657-1.
Pastore, MA, Lee, TD, Hobbie, SH, Reich, PB. Interactive effects of elevated CO2, warming, reduced rainfall, and increased nitrogen on leaf gas exchange in five perennial grassland species. Plant, Cell & Environment (IF: 7.947). 43: 1862 1878 (2020). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/pce.13783?af=R.
Pastore, MA, Lee, TD, Hobbie, SH, Reich, PB. Strong photosynthetic acclimation and enhanced water-use efficiency in grassland functional groups persist over 21 years of CO2 enrichment, independent of nitrogen supply. Global Change Biology (IF: 13.211). 25: 3031-3044 (2019). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.14714.
Reich, PB, Hobbie, SH, Lee, TD, Pastore, MA. Unexpected reversal of C3 vs C4 grass response to elevated CO2 during a 20-year field experiment. Science (IF: 63.714). 360: 317-320 (2018). http://science.sciencemag.org/content/360/6386/317.abstract.
Science published two technical comments that address the above Reich et al. 2018 article. Each appears with a response from Reich, Hobbie, Lee, and Pastore in Science 361: eeau8982 and eaau1300 (2018). http://science.sciencemag.org/content/361/6407/eaau8982.
http://science.sciencemag.org/content/361/6402/eaau1300.
Pastore, MA, Megonigal, JP, Langley, JA. Elevated CO2 and nitrogen addition accelerate net carbon gain in a brackish marsh. Biogeochemistry (IF: 4.812). 133: 73-87 (2017). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10533-017-0312-2.
Pastore, MA, Megonigal, JP, Langley, JA. Elevated CO2 promotes long-term nitrogen accumulation only in
combination with nitrogen addition. Global Change Biology (IF: 13.211). 22: 391-403 (2016). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/gcb.13112.
McCormack, ML, Gaines, KL, Pastore, MA, Eissenstat, DM. Early season root production in relation to leaf production among six diverse temperate tree species. Plant and Soil (IF: 4.993). 389: 121-129 (2015). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11104-014-2347-7.
Pastore, MA. The impact of nitrogen eutrophication on Caribbean coral reefs: a review. CONCEPT. 37 (2014). https://concept.journals.villanova.edu/article/view/1725.
PRESENTATIONS AND POSTERS
Invited Seminars and Symposia:
National Carbon Convos/Carbon 101; hosted by USFS R&D and NFS. Sep. 26, 2023. Monthly Webinar.
Northeast Network of Mountain Observatories. June 22, 2023. Monthly Webinar.
University of New Hampshire, April 6, 2023. Earth Systems Research Center Spring Lunch Seminar.
INSPIRES Teacher Professional Learning Program, March 20, 2023. Guest Webinar.
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Dec. 19, 2022. CAES Seminar.
University of Michigan, March 16, 2022. Departmental Seminar.
Bloomsburg University, Nov. 19, 2021. Departmental Seminar.
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Nov. 8, 2021. Departmental Seminar.
Yale University, April 14, 2021. Departmental Seminar.
University of North Carolina Wilmington, March 25, 2021. Departmental Seminar.
Effects of sulfate geoengineering on ecosystems. Ecosystem Responses to Solar Radiation Management and Sulfate Geoengineering Interdisciplinary Symposium, St. Paul, MN. Nov. 1, 2019. Panelist.
Conference Presentations:
Foster, J., Pastore, MA, Rand, K, English, M, Finnerty, C, Adair, EC, Classen, A, King, D, Lutz, D, Nelson, S, D’Amato, A, Climatology of cold-air pooling for montane watersheds and forests of the Northeastern US from MODIS data. International Association for Landscape Ecology-North America Annual Meeting, Riverside, CA. March 2023. https://www.ialena.org/program2023.html.
Pastore, MA, Lee, TD, Hobbie, SH, Worm, K, Reich, PB. Species richness impacts total soil carbon more than 19 years of CO2 enrichment or soil nitrogen addition. Ecological Society of America, Virtual. August 2020. https://eco.confex.com/eco/2020/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/87690.
Pastore, MA, Lee, TD, Hobbie, SH, Reich, PB. Photosynthesis over 21 of elevated CO2 and nitrogen addition in four plant functional groups. Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Science Symposium, St. Paul, MN. March 2019.
Pastore, MA, Megonigal, JP, Langley, JA. Ecosystem nitrogen retention in response to 8 years of exposure to elevated CO2 and nitrogen pollution. Ecological Society of America, Baltimore, MD. July 2015. https://eco.confex.com/eco/2015/webprogram/Paper56260.html.
Pastore, MA, Megonigal, JP, Langley, JA. Nitrogen pollution reduced 15N retention in a brackish marsh. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center’s Global Change Symposium, Bryn Mawr, PA. February 2015.
Pastore, MA, Megonigal, JP, Langley, JA. Rising CO2 levels and nitrogen pollution may affect the fate of nitrogen in marsh ecosystems. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center’s Global Change Symposium, Edgewater, MD. February 2014.
Conference Posters:
Pastore, MA, Classen, Adair, AT, D’Amato, AW, English, ME, Foster, JR, Rand, K, Adair, EC. Effects of cold-air pooling microclimates on species composition in New England Forests. Forest Ecosystem Monitoring Cooperative, Burlington, Vermont. December 2022.
Pastore, MA, Classen, Adair, AT, D’Amato, AW, English, ME, Foster, JR, Rand, K, Adair, EC. The influence of cold-air pooling on species composition and ecosystem function in New England forests. Ecological Society of America, Montréal, Canada. August 2022.
Pastore, MA, Classen, AT, Adair, EC, English, ME, Frey, SD, Rand, K, Adair, EC. Freeze-thaw responses of soil microbial communities from contrasting elevations. Ecological Society of America, Virtual. August 2021.
Hudson, A, Peters, D, Avolio, ML, Blair, J, Childers, DL, Collins, SL, Doran, PT, Evans, SE, Gooseff, MN, Grimm, NB, Knapp, A, Litvak, ME, Pastore, MA, Rudgers, J, Sala, O, Seabloom, EW, Shaver, GR, Haddad, N. A multi-site synthesis of impacts of multi-year extreme events on dryland ecosystem resilience. American Geophysical Union, Virtual. December 2020. https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2020AGUFMSY044..08H/abstract.
Pastore, MA, Lee, TD, Hobbie, SH, Reich, PB. The influence of climate change and environmental factors on leaf gas exchange responses to elevated CO2 in five perennial grassland species. American Geophysical Union, San Francisco, CA. December 2019. https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2019AGUFM.B13H2606P/abstract.
Pastore, MA, Lee, TD, Hobbie, SH, Reich, PB. Photosynthetic responses of 14 grassland species to 21 years of free-air CO2 enrichment and nitrogen addition. Long-Term Ecological Research All Scientists’ Meeting, Asilomar, CA. October 2018.
Pastore, MA, Lee, TD, Hobbie, SH, Reich, PB. Photosynthetic responses of 14 grassland species to 20 years of free-air CO2 enrichment and nitrogen addition. Ecological Society of America, New Orleans, LA. August 2018. https://eco.confex.com/eco/2018/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/73595.
Pastore, MA, Megonigal, JP, Langley, JA. Net greenhouse gas footprint of a brackish marsh under elevated CO2 and nitrogen addition. Natural Resources Association of Graduate Students Research Symposium, St. Paul, MN. April 2016.
Pastore, MA, Megonigal, JP, Langley, JA. 15N label retention in a tidal marsh in response to elevated CO2 and nitrogen addition. Society of Wetland Scientists, Providence, RI. June 2015.
POPULAR PRESS AND MEDIA
Invited authorship:
Pastore, MA. “What’s happening beneath our feet when it comes to climate change?” Functional Ecologists. Functional Ecology. Web blog post. (Feb. 2023). https://functionalecologists.com/2023/02/28/melissa-pastore-whats-happening-beneath-our-feet-when-it-comes-to-climate-change/.
Pastore, MA. “Marshes: Pollution Sponges of the Future.” Shorelines. The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Web blog post. (Aug. 2014). https://sercblog.si.edu/marshes-pollution-sponges-of-the-future/.
Interviews:
Interviewed by Samia Bouzid. “Are valleys sheltered from climate change?” SciShow (7.53M subscribers). YouTube production. January 10, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq2qEUDo97w.
Interviewed by Deane Morrison. “Grassland Biodiversity Emerges as Key Factor in Climate Crisis.” Office of the Vice President for Research Inquiry Blog and Newsletter. University of Minnesota. Web blog post, Newsletter. May 22, 2021. https://research.umn.edu/inquiry/post/grassland-biodiversity-emerges-key-factor-climate-crisis.
Interviewed by Roland Pease. BBC World Service: Science in Action. Radio. April 26, 2018. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3cswmp8 (begins 07:48).
Interviewed by Volker Mrasek. Deustchlandfunk and Westdeutscher Rundfunk(German Public Radio). Radio. April 20, 2018.
https://www1.wdr.de/mediathek/audio/wdr5/wdr5-leonardo-top-themen/audio-co-schadet-auch-pflanzen-100.html.
https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/ueberraschender-klimaeffekt-pflanzen-reagieren-auf-mehr-co2.676.de.html?dram:article_id=416145.
FELLOWSHIPS AND GRANTS
Philip C. Hamm Graduate Scholarship in the Plant Sciences, University of Minnesota (2020)
Darby and Geri Nelson Environmental Scholar Award, University of Minnesota (2019)
College of Biological Sciences Travel Grant, University of Minnesota (2019)
Donald and Elizabeth Lawrence Research Scholarship, University of Minnesota (2018)
Carol H. and Wayne A. Pletcher Graduate Fellowship, University of Minnesota (2018)
College of Graduate Students Travel Grant Award, University of Minnesota (2018, 2019)
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Diversity and Inclusion Teaching Fellowship, University of Minnesota (2018, 2017)
EEB Graduate Travel Award, University of Minnesota (2019, 2018, 2017)
EEB Research Grant, University of Minnesota (2018, 2017, 2016)
EEB Program Summer Fellowship, University of Minnesota (2018, 2017, 2016)
Biology Graduate Fellowship, Villanova University (2015)
Biology Summer Research Fellowship, Villanova University (2015, 2014)
Graduate Student Summer Research Fellowship, Villanova University (2014)
TEACHING AND MENTORING
Biol 3004/3004H: Foundations of Biol. II, University of Minnesota (Fall 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2017, Fall 2016)
EEB 4609W/5609: Ecosystem Ecology, University of Minnesota (Fall 2017)
Biol 1961/1961H: Foundations of Biol. I, University of Minnesota (Spring 2016, Fall 2015)
Bio 2105: General Biology, Villanova University (Spring 2015)
MSE 2204: Human Physiology, Villanova University (Spring 2014)
Bio 3055: Animal Physiology, Villanova University (Spring 2014, Fall 2013)
Biol 427: Evolution, Penn State University (Fall 2012)
Guest Lectures:
October 12, 2020. University of Vermont. Ecosystem Ecology (Instructor: Carol Adair).
April 20, 2020. Macalester University. Ecosystem Ecology (Instructor: Christine O’Connell).
Mentorship:
Carissa Finnerty, undergraduate student at the University of Vermont/Rubenstein Perennial Intern (2022)
Anna Sherman, undergraduate student at the University of Vermont/Rubenstein Perennial Intern (2021)
Dara Coker, undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire/Cedar Creek Intern (2018-2020)
Claire Houlihan, undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota (2016-2018)
Kelsey Ward, undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota (2016-2018)
Valerie Gehn, undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire/Cedar Creek Intern (2017)
Graham Caron, high school student at Minnetonka High School (2017)
Amanda Donaldson, NASA Innovations in Climate Eduction-Tribal (NICE-T) Gida REU student (2016)
Susan Webster, NASA Innovations in Climate Eduction-Tribal (NICE-T) Gida REU student (2016)
Allen J. Butterfield, NASA Innovations in Climate Eduction-Tribal (NICE-T) Gida (Our Earth Lodge) REU student (2016)
Emmanuel Okematti, undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota (2016)
Isaac Johnson, undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota (2016)
OUTREACH AND SERVICE, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND HONORS
Outreach and Service:
Journal Review: Ecology, Ecology Letters, Plant, Cell & Environment, Journal of Ecology, Ecological Applications, Oikos, Ecosystems, Climatic Change, Ecosphere, Biogeochemistry, Biogeosciences, American Journal of Botany, Plant and Soil, AoB Plants, Journal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences, Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, Flora, Global Ecology and Conservation, Science of the Total Environment, Resources, Conservation, & Recycling, CONCEPT Interdisciplinary Journal of Graduate Studies
Voice-over Talent for ‘The Thinking Project’ Nonprofit Group for K-12 Educators (2021 – present)
Narrating video lessons released every few weeks for K-12 students using Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (thethinkingproject.org)
University of Minnesota Ecology Science Fair (2021)
Served as judge for grade 4-12 student-driven investigations in ecology
Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Outreach (2016 – 2019)
Led talks, field tours, and outreach activities for K-12 and beyond
Midwest Coordinator for Science-Informed Leadership (2017 – 2018)
Communicated with constituents, organized resources enabling citizens to contact their senators
EEB Department Orientation Handbook Developer (2017 – 2018)
Developed orientation handbook and resource list for incoming graduate students
EEB Department Graduate Student President (2016 – 2017)
Organized and oversaw graduate student meetings and departmental events
Cedar Creek “Weaving Our Communities” Together REU Mentor (2016)
Mentored research projects of Native undergraduates (funded through NASA Innovations in Climate Education-Tribal, 'NICE-T', grant)
Gida (Our Earth Lodge) STEM Camps (2016)
Led science lessons and experiments with K-12 Native (Ojibwe) students, connected lessons to indigenous culture
Chelsea Heights Science Fair Mentor (2016)
Taught students experimental design and scientific method, helped students perform experiments and create figures
EEB Department Seminar Facilitator at the University of Minnesota (2015 – 2016)
Mifflinburg Intermediate School Outreach (2014 – 2015)
Designed and led science lessons and experiments for 5th grade science education
Professional Development:
Introduction to R for Biologists (baseR) course, Utah State Univ./Univ. of Vermont/NCTC (2022)
URGE (Unlearning Racism in the Geosciences) Program (2021)
Teaching in Higher Education course at the University of Minnesota (2020)
Designing and Delivering Online Learning Certification at the University of Minnesota (2020)
Institute on the Environment’s Boreas Leadership Program at the University of Minnesota (2015 – 2020)
Emerge Bioscience Career Workshop Program (2019)
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Diversity and Inclusion Training (2017 – 2018)
College of Biological Sciences Classroom Writing Instruction Workshop (2015)
Honors:
Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting Poster Presentation Award (2015)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
American Geophysical Union (2019, 2023)
Ecological Society of America (2015-2022)
Society of Wetland Scientists (2015 – 2016)
REFERENCES
Dr. Sarah Hobbie, Professor
Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Department
University of Minnesota
1479 Gortner Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(612) 625-6269
shobbie@umn.edu
Relationship: Ph.D. Advisor
Dr. Peter Reich, Professor
Forest Resources Department
University of Minnesota
1479 Gortner Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(612) 624-4270
preich@umn.edu
Relationship: Ph.D. Advisor
Dr. Aimée Classen, Professor
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department
University of Michigan
500 S. State St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 763-4461
aclassen@umich.edu
Relationship: Postdoctoral Advisor
Dr. Carol Adair, Associate Professor
Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
University of Vermont
148 S. Prospect St.
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 656-2907
Carol.Adair@uvm.edu
Relationship: Postdoctoral Advisor
Dr. Tali Lee, Professor
Biology Department
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
346 Phillips Science Hall
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715) 836-5087
leetd@uwec.edu
Relationship: Collaborator and Ph.D. Committee Member
Dr. Adam Langley, Associate Professor
Biology Department
Villanova University
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA 19085
(610) 519-3102
adam.langley@villanova.edu
Relationship: M.S. Advisor
The University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, August 2020
Cumulative GPA: 4.00
Dissertation title: Impacts of global changes on leaf-level physiology of plant functional groups and ecosystem carbon storage
Advisors: Drs. Sarah Hobbie and Peter Reich
Villanova University, Villanova, PA
M.S. in Biology, Sep. 2015
Cumulative GPA: 3.97
Thesis title: Nitrogen retention and greenhouse gas mitigation of a brackish marsh under global change
Advisor: Dr. Adam Langley
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
B.S. in Biology, Ecology Option, May 2013
Cumulative GPA: 3.67
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
Research Ecologist, USDA Forest Service, April 2023 – present
Northern Research Station, Forest Inventory and Analysis
Research Assistant, University of New Hampshire, March 2023 – April 2023
Postdoctoral Associate, University of Vermont, Sep. 2020 – March 2023
Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
Gund Institute for Environment
Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant, University of Minnesota, Aug. 2015 – Aug. 2020
Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant, Villanova University, Aug. 2013 – Aug. 2015
PUBLICATIONS
Pastore, MA, Classen, AT, Frey, SD, English, ME, Rand, K, Adair, EC. Soil microbial legacies influence freeze-thaw responses of soil. Functional Ecology (IF: 6.282). (2023). https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2435.14273.
Hudson, AR, Peters, DPC, Blair, JM, Childers, DL, Doran, PT, Geil, K, Gooseff, M, Gross, KL, Haddad, NM, Pastore, MA, Rudgers, JA, Sala, O, Seabloom, EW, Shaver, G. Cross-site comparisons of dryland ecosystem response to climate change in the US Long-term Ecological Research network. BioScience (IF: 11.566). biab134 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biab134.
Pastore, MA. Bringing the underground to the surface: Climate change stressors negatively affect plant growth, with contrasting above and belowground physiological responses. Plant, Cell & Environment (IF: 7.947). 45: 2267-2270 (2022). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/pce.14379.
Pastore, MA, Adair, EC, Classen, AT, D’Amato, AW, Foster, JR. Cold-air pools as microrefugia for ecosystem functions in the face of climate change. Ecology (IF: 6.433). 103: e3717 (2022). https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ecy.3717.
Pastore, MA, Hobbie, SH, Reich, PB. Sensitivity of grassland carbon pools to plant diversity, elevated CO2, and soil nitrogen addition over 19 years. In revision at Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (IF: 12.779). 118: e2016965118 (2021). https://www.pnas.org/content/118/17/e2016965118.
Reich, PB, Hobbie, SH, Lee, TD, Rich, R, Pastore, MA, Worm, K. Synergistic effects of four climate change drivers on terrestrial carbon cycling. Nature Geoscience. (IF: 21.531). 13: 787-793 (2020). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-020-00657-1.
Pastore, MA, Lee, TD, Hobbie, SH, Reich, PB. Interactive effects of elevated CO2, warming, reduced rainfall, and increased nitrogen on leaf gas exchange in five perennial grassland species. Plant, Cell & Environment (IF: 7.947). 43: 1862 1878 (2020). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/pce.13783?af=R.
Pastore, MA, Lee, TD, Hobbie, SH, Reich, PB. Strong photosynthetic acclimation and enhanced water-use efficiency in grassland functional groups persist over 21 years of CO2 enrichment, independent of nitrogen supply. Global Change Biology (IF: 13.211). 25: 3031-3044 (2019). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.14714.
Reich, PB, Hobbie, SH, Lee, TD, Pastore, MA. Unexpected reversal of C3 vs C4 grass response to elevated CO2 during a 20-year field experiment. Science (IF: 63.714). 360: 317-320 (2018). http://science.sciencemag.org/content/360/6386/317.abstract.
Science published two technical comments that address the above Reich et al. 2018 article. Each appears with a response from Reich, Hobbie, Lee, and Pastore in Science 361: eeau8982 and eaau1300 (2018). http://science.sciencemag.org/content/361/6407/eaau8982.
http://science.sciencemag.org/content/361/6402/eaau1300.
Pastore, MA, Megonigal, JP, Langley, JA. Elevated CO2 and nitrogen addition accelerate net carbon gain in a brackish marsh. Biogeochemistry (IF: 4.812). 133: 73-87 (2017). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10533-017-0312-2.
Pastore, MA, Megonigal, JP, Langley, JA. Elevated CO2 promotes long-term nitrogen accumulation only in
combination with nitrogen addition. Global Change Biology (IF: 13.211). 22: 391-403 (2016). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/gcb.13112.
McCormack, ML, Gaines, KL, Pastore, MA, Eissenstat, DM. Early season root production in relation to leaf production among six diverse temperate tree species. Plant and Soil (IF: 4.993). 389: 121-129 (2015). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11104-014-2347-7.
Pastore, MA. The impact of nitrogen eutrophication on Caribbean coral reefs: a review. CONCEPT. 37 (2014). https://concept.journals.villanova.edu/article/view/1725.
PRESENTATIONS AND POSTERS
Invited Seminars and Symposia:
National Carbon Convos/Carbon 101; hosted by USFS R&D and NFS. Sep. 26, 2023. Monthly Webinar.
Northeast Network of Mountain Observatories. June 22, 2023. Monthly Webinar.
University of New Hampshire, April 6, 2023. Earth Systems Research Center Spring Lunch Seminar.
INSPIRES Teacher Professional Learning Program, March 20, 2023. Guest Webinar.
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Dec. 19, 2022. CAES Seminar.
University of Michigan, March 16, 2022. Departmental Seminar.
Bloomsburg University, Nov. 19, 2021. Departmental Seminar.
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Nov. 8, 2021. Departmental Seminar.
Yale University, April 14, 2021. Departmental Seminar.
University of North Carolina Wilmington, March 25, 2021. Departmental Seminar.
Effects of sulfate geoengineering on ecosystems. Ecosystem Responses to Solar Radiation Management and Sulfate Geoengineering Interdisciplinary Symposium, St. Paul, MN. Nov. 1, 2019. Panelist.
Conference Presentations:
Foster, J., Pastore, MA, Rand, K, English, M, Finnerty, C, Adair, EC, Classen, A, King, D, Lutz, D, Nelson, S, D’Amato, A, Climatology of cold-air pooling for montane watersheds and forests of the Northeastern US from MODIS data. International Association for Landscape Ecology-North America Annual Meeting, Riverside, CA. March 2023. https://www.ialena.org/program2023.html.
Pastore, MA, Lee, TD, Hobbie, SH, Worm, K, Reich, PB. Species richness impacts total soil carbon more than 19 years of CO2 enrichment or soil nitrogen addition. Ecological Society of America, Virtual. August 2020. https://eco.confex.com/eco/2020/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/87690.
Pastore, MA, Lee, TD, Hobbie, SH, Reich, PB. Photosynthesis over 21 of elevated CO2 and nitrogen addition in four plant functional groups. Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Science Symposium, St. Paul, MN. March 2019.
Pastore, MA, Megonigal, JP, Langley, JA. Ecosystem nitrogen retention in response to 8 years of exposure to elevated CO2 and nitrogen pollution. Ecological Society of America, Baltimore, MD. July 2015. https://eco.confex.com/eco/2015/webprogram/Paper56260.html.
Pastore, MA, Megonigal, JP, Langley, JA. Nitrogen pollution reduced 15N retention in a brackish marsh. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center’s Global Change Symposium, Bryn Mawr, PA. February 2015.
Pastore, MA, Megonigal, JP, Langley, JA. Rising CO2 levels and nitrogen pollution may affect the fate of nitrogen in marsh ecosystems. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center’s Global Change Symposium, Edgewater, MD. February 2014.
Conference Posters:
Pastore, MA, Classen, Adair, AT, D’Amato, AW, English, ME, Foster, JR, Rand, K, Adair, EC. Effects of cold-air pooling microclimates on species composition in New England Forests. Forest Ecosystem Monitoring Cooperative, Burlington, Vermont. December 2022.
Pastore, MA, Classen, Adair, AT, D’Amato, AW, English, ME, Foster, JR, Rand, K, Adair, EC. The influence of cold-air pooling on species composition and ecosystem function in New England forests. Ecological Society of America, Montréal, Canada. August 2022.
Pastore, MA, Classen, AT, Adair, EC, English, ME, Frey, SD, Rand, K, Adair, EC. Freeze-thaw responses of soil microbial communities from contrasting elevations. Ecological Society of America, Virtual. August 2021.
Hudson, A, Peters, D, Avolio, ML, Blair, J, Childers, DL, Collins, SL, Doran, PT, Evans, SE, Gooseff, MN, Grimm, NB, Knapp, A, Litvak, ME, Pastore, MA, Rudgers, J, Sala, O, Seabloom, EW, Shaver, GR, Haddad, N. A multi-site synthesis of impacts of multi-year extreme events on dryland ecosystem resilience. American Geophysical Union, Virtual. December 2020. https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2020AGUFMSY044..08H/abstract.
Pastore, MA, Lee, TD, Hobbie, SH, Reich, PB. The influence of climate change and environmental factors on leaf gas exchange responses to elevated CO2 in five perennial grassland species. American Geophysical Union, San Francisco, CA. December 2019. https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2019AGUFM.B13H2606P/abstract.
Pastore, MA, Lee, TD, Hobbie, SH, Reich, PB. Photosynthetic responses of 14 grassland species to 21 years of free-air CO2 enrichment and nitrogen addition. Long-Term Ecological Research All Scientists’ Meeting, Asilomar, CA. October 2018.
Pastore, MA, Lee, TD, Hobbie, SH, Reich, PB. Photosynthetic responses of 14 grassland species to 20 years of free-air CO2 enrichment and nitrogen addition. Ecological Society of America, New Orleans, LA. August 2018. https://eco.confex.com/eco/2018/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/73595.
Pastore, MA, Megonigal, JP, Langley, JA. Net greenhouse gas footprint of a brackish marsh under elevated CO2 and nitrogen addition. Natural Resources Association of Graduate Students Research Symposium, St. Paul, MN. April 2016.
Pastore, MA, Megonigal, JP, Langley, JA. 15N label retention in a tidal marsh in response to elevated CO2 and nitrogen addition. Society of Wetland Scientists, Providence, RI. June 2015.
POPULAR PRESS AND MEDIA
Invited authorship:
Pastore, MA. “What’s happening beneath our feet when it comes to climate change?” Functional Ecologists. Functional Ecology. Web blog post. (Feb. 2023). https://functionalecologists.com/2023/02/28/melissa-pastore-whats-happening-beneath-our-feet-when-it-comes-to-climate-change/.
Pastore, MA. “Marshes: Pollution Sponges of the Future.” Shorelines. The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Web blog post. (Aug. 2014). https://sercblog.si.edu/marshes-pollution-sponges-of-the-future/.
Interviews:
Interviewed by Samia Bouzid. “Are valleys sheltered from climate change?” SciShow (7.53M subscribers). YouTube production. January 10, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq2qEUDo97w.
Interviewed by Deane Morrison. “Grassland Biodiversity Emerges as Key Factor in Climate Crisis.” Office of the Vice President for Research Inquiry Blog and Newsletter. University of Minnesota. Web blog post, Newsletter. May 22, 2021. https://research.umn.edu/inquiry/post/grassland-biodiversity-emerges-key-factor-climate-crisis.
Interviewed by Roland Pease. BBC World Service: Science in Action. Radio. April 26, 2018. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3cswmp8 (begins 07:48).
Interviewed by Volker Mrasek. Deustchlandfunk and Westdeutscher Rundfunk(German Public Radio). Radio. April 20, 2018.
https://www1.wdr.de/mediathek/audio/wdr5/wdr5-leonardo-top-themen/audio-co-schadet-auch-pflanzen-100.html.
https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/ueberraschender-klimaeffekt-pflanzen-reagieren-auf-mehr-co2.676.de.html?dram:article_id=416145.
FELLOWSHIPS AND GRANTS
Philip C. Hamm Graduate Scholarship in the Plant Sciences, University of Minnesota (2020)
Darby and Geri Nelson Environmental Scholar Award, University of Minnesota (2019)
College of Biological Sciences Travel Grant, University of Minnesota (2019)
Donald and Elizabeth Lawrence Research Scholarship, University of Minnesota (2018)
Carol H. and Wayne A. Pletcher Graduate Fellowship, University of Minnesota (2018)
College of Graduate Students Travel Grant Award, University of Minnesota (2018, 2019)
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Diversity and Inclusion Teaching Fellowship, University of Minnesota (2018, 2017)
EEB Graduate Travel Award, University of Minnesota (2019, 2018, 2017)
EEB Research Grant, University of Minnesota (2018, 2017, 2016)
EEB Program Summer Fellowship, University of Minnesota (2018, 2017, 2016)
Biology Graduate Fellowship, Villanova University (2015)
Biology Summer Research Fellowship, Villanova University (2015, 2014)
Graduate Student Summer Research Fellowship, Villanova University (2014)
TEACHING AND MENTORING
Biol 3004/3004H: Foundations of Biol. II, University of Minnesota (Fall 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2017, Fall 2016)
- Independent instructor for two ecotoxicology-focused sections per semester
- ~50 undergraduate students per semester
- Course structured as working research lab; served as ‘advisor’ that helped students plan and execute their proposed research
- Mentored ~10 undergraduate student-led research projects per semester
- Trained students how to read primary literature, develop novel ideas, design and carry out experiments, troubleshoot methods, perform statistics, create figures, write a scientific paper, and create/present a scientific poster
EEB 4609W/5609: Ecosystem Ecology, University of Minnesota (Fall 2017)
- Independent instructor for one undergraduate and one graduate discussion section
- ~25 students
- Guided students in writing scientific review papers and research grant proposals
- Assisted instructor (Dr. Sarah Hobbie) during lecture section
Biol 1961/1961H: Foundations of Biol. I, University of Minnesota (Spring 2016, Fall 2015)
- Independent instructor for one ecotoxicology-focused lab section per semester
- ~50 undergraduate students per semester
- Lab involved evolution-based experiments using Pseudomonas, behavior and toxicology experiments using zebrafish, and advanced tools such as protein and DNA analysis, PCR, and fluorescent microscopy
- Trained students in formulating novel scientific questions, experimental design, statistics, and writing a research proposal
Bio 2105: General Biology, Villanova University (Spring 2015)
- Independent instructor for two lab sections
- ~50 undergraduate students
MSE 2204: Human Physiology, Villanova University (Spring 2014)
- Assistant to instructor (Dr. Phil Stephens) for two lab sections
- ~40 undergraduate students
Bio 3055: Animal Physiology, Villanova University (Spring 2014, Fall 2013)
- Assistant to instructor (Dr. Phil Stephens) for two lab sections per semester
- ~40 undergraduate students per semester
Biol 427: Evolution, Penn State University (Fall 2012)
- Assistant to instructor (Dr. Blair Hedges)
- ~150 primarily undergraduate students
- Created exams
Guest Lectures:
October 12, 2020. University of Vermont. Ecosystem Ecology (Instructor: Carol Adair).
April 20, 2020. Macalester University. Ecosystem Ecology (Instructor: Christine O’Connell).
Mentorship:
Carissa Finnerty, undergraduate student at the University of Vermont/Rubenstein Perennial Intern (2022)
Anna Sherman, undergraduate student at the University of Vermont/Rubenstein Perennial Intern (2021)
Dara Coker, undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire/Cedar Creek Intern (2018-2020)
Claire Houlihan, undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota (2016-2018)
Kelsey Ward, undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota (2016-2018)
Valerie Gehn, undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire/Cedar Creek Intern (2017)
Graham Caron, high school student at Minnetonka High School (2017)
Amanda Donaldson, NASA Innovations in Climate Eduction-Tribal (NICE-T) Gida REU student (2016)
Susan Webster, NASA Innovations in Climate Eduction-Tribal (NICE-T) Gida REU student (2016)
Allen J. Butterfield, NASA Innovations in Climate Eduction-Tribal (NICE-T) Gida (Our Earth Lodge) REU student (2016)
Emmanuel Okematti, undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota (2016)
Isaac Johnson, undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota (2016)
OUTREACH AND SERVICE, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND HONORS
Outreach and Service:
Journal Review: Ecology, Ecology Letters, Plant, Cell & Environment, Journal of Ecology, Ecological Applications, Oikos, Ecosystems, Climatic Change, Ecosphere, Biogeochemistry, Biogeosciences, American Journal of Botany, Plant and Soil, AoB Plants, Journal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences, Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, Flora, Global Ecology and Conservation, Science of the Total Environment, Resources, Conservation, & Recycling, CONCEPT Interdisciplinary Journal of Graduate Studies
Voice-over Talent for ‘The Thinking Project’ Nonprofit Group for K-12 Educators (2021 – present)
Narrating video lessons released every few weeks for K-12 students using Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (thethinkingproject.org)
University of Minnesota Ecology Science Fair (2021)
Served as judge for grade 4-12 student-driven investigations in ecology
Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Outreach (2016 – 2019)
Led talks, field tours, and outreach activities for K-12 and beyond
Midwest Coordinator for Science-Informed Leadership (2017 – 2018)
Communicated with constituents, organized resources enabling citizens to contact their senators
EEB Department Orientation Handbook Developer (2017 – 2018)
Developed orientation handbook and resource list for incoming graduate students
EEB Department Graduate Student President (2016 – 2017)
Organized and oversaw graduate student meetings and departmental events
Cedar Creek “Weaving Our Communities” Together REU Mentor (2016)
Mentored research projects of Native undergraduates (funded through NASA Innovations in Climate Education-Tribal, 'NICE-T', grant)
Gida (Our Earth Lodge) STEM Camps (2016)
Led science lessons and experiments with K-12 Native (Ojibwe) students, connected lessons to indigenous culture
Chelsea Heights Science Fair Mentor (2016)
Taught students experimental design and scientific method, helped students perform experiments and create figures
EEB Department Seminar Facilitator at the University of Minnesota (2015 – 2016)
Mifflinburg Intermediate School Outreach (2014 – 2015)
Designed and led science lessons and experiments for 5th grade science education
Professional Development:
Introduction to R for Biologists (baseR) course, Utah State Univ./Univ. of Vermont/NCTC (2022)
URGE (Unlearning Racism in the Geosciences) Program (2021)
Teaching in Higher Education course at the University of Minnesota (2020)
Designing and Delivering Online Learning Certification at the University of Minnesota (2020)
Institute on the Environment’s Boreas Leadership Program at the University of Minnesota (2015 – 2020)
Emerge Bioscience Career Workshop Program (2019)
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Diversity and Inclusion Training (2017 – 2018)
College of Biological Sciences Classroom Writing Instruction Workshop (2015)
Honors:
Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting Poster Presentation Award (2015)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
American Geophysical Union (2019, 2023)
Ecological Society of America (2015-2022)
Society of Wetland Scientists (2015 – 2016)
REFERENCES
Dr. Sarah Hobbie, Professor
Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Department
University of Minnesota
1479 Gortner Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(612) 625-6269
shobbie@umn.edu
Relationship: Ph.D. Advisor
Dr. Peter Reich, Professor
Forest Resources Department
University of Minnesota
1479 Gortner Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(612) 624-4270
preich@umn.edu
Relationship: Ph.D. Advisor
Dr. Aimée Classen, Professor
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department
University of Michigan
500 S. State St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 763-4461
aclassen@umich.edu
Relationship: Postdoctoral Advisor
Dr. Carol Adair, Associate Professor
Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
University of Vermont
148 S. Prospect St.
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 656-2907
Carol.Adair@uvm.edu
Relationship: Postdoctoral Advisor
Dr. Tali Lee, Professor
Biology Department
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
346 Phillips Science Hall
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715) 836-5087
leetd@uwec.edu
Relationship: Collaborator and Ph.D. Committee Member
Dr. Adam Langley, Associate Professor
Biology Department
Villanova University
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA 19085
(610) 519-3102
adam.langley@villanova.edu
Relationship: M.S. Advisor
