Advisor: Marinus Otte, Department of Biosciences, North Dakota State University

Degree Progress: Masters in Environmental & Conservation Sciences expected in May 2008

Office: Stevens 302

Email: Latoya.Kissoon@ndsu.edu

Research Interests
I am interested in a number of issues surrounding wetland ecology, ecology of wetland rhizospheres, soil chemistry, metal tolerance in wetland plants, speciation and accumulation of heavy metals in wetland soils, iron oxidizing bacteria found in wetland rhizospheres, history of North Dakota wetlands and wetland ecology of the tropics.

Researchers have found that wetland plants tend to be metal tolerant despite their origins. My current project involves investigating the relationship between rhizosphere biogeochemistry and constitutive metal tolerance in wetland plants. Plants used in greenhouse experiments include Tyhpa angustifolia (narrow leaf cattail) and Rumex crispus (curly dock).

Other interests
I am also interested in wind energy development, environmental policy on a global scale, impacts of global climate change on developing countries and issues concerning environmental justice.

I enjoy camping, traveling, listening to music, dancing, eating food from different cultures, reading and needlepoint.

Sampling in Yellowstone

In the Greenhouse

Rumex Dry

Rumex Wet