Amy Treonis' Lab

We study soil ecology in diverse habitats, from agroecosystems to hot deserts. Soils contain a frequently unrecognized (and understudied!) wealth of biodiversity. Our research focuses specifically on soil nematodes, which are microscopic roundworms found in soils everywhere. Species of nematodes can feed on bacteria, fungi, plants, or other nematodes, and they play important roles in maintaining healthy soils. 

Instagram: @cephanamib

Current Projects

  • Exploration of cryptic nematode diversity in the family Panagrolaimidae in the Namib Desert of Namibia, using microscopy and molecular biology techniques.  We’ve recently described a new species, Panagrolaimus namibiensis. 

  • Documenting aquatic nematode diversity and the limits to nematode life in hypersaline desert springs in Death Valley (California, USA) and the Namib Desert (Namibia).  

  • Investigating nematode abundance and diversity in relation to plant distribution in the Mojave and Namib deserts.