Soil, Climate and Community with Dr. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe

Join us for an insightful conversation with the brilliant Dr. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, a leading soil scientist who has pioneered groundbreaking studies on soil’s role in regulating the Earth's climate.

In this third session of our Soil Webinar Series, Dr. Berhe shares her deep passion for the science of soil, helping us all see how essential it is not just for our climate, but for the health and balance of our planet's ecosystems. She talks about the powerful connections between soil and our communities, making it clear that when our soil thrives, so do we. Dr. Berhe also touches on the importance of making sure everyone’s voice is heard in climate discussions, reminding us that diversity in STEM leads to richer, more resilient solutions. Her insights on leadership are truly inspiring, showing us how inclusive, thoughtful leadership can bring real change.

Dr. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe is a Professor of Soil Biogeochemistry and Falasco Chair in Earth Sciences and Geology at the University of California, Merced.  She previously served as the Director of the US Department of Energy’s Office of Science. 

Her research interest lies at the intersection of soil science, geochemistry, global change science, and political ecology. Prof. Berhe’s work seeks to improve our understanding of how the soil system regulates the earth’s climate and the dynamic two-way relationship between soil and human communities. 

Numerous awards and honors have recognized her scholarly contributions and efforts to improve equity and inclusion in STEM. She is an Elected member of the US National Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union and the Geological Society of America, and a member of the inaugural class of the US National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, New Voices in Science, Engineering, and Medicine.  You can learn more about Dr. Berhe and her work on her website:  https://aaberhe.com/

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