About Zach

I am a professor of microbial ecology and biogeochemistry born and raised in Portland OR and educated at BYU, the University of California Davis, and Michigan State University. I feel that the purpose of my professional life is to teach students about the interconnectedness of life within the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere and promote environmental sustainability through ecological truths, gospel principles, and charity.

My research interests are embodied in the fields of Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry—My current research focuses on harnessing the power of bacteria and archaea from extreme ecosystems in biotechnology, especially the generation of biogas and health of the human gut microbiome.