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Biographical Information:
Dr. Kurt Reinhart is broadly interested in multi-species interactions
and views science through the eyes of a plant population/community ecologist.
His approach to science is relatively diverse and incorporates a range
of topics relevant to ecology, ecological systems and interactions, and
experimental and descriptive methodologies. His recent research program
focuses mostly on plant-microbial interactions and how they affect plant
communities and plant invasions. His current research laboratory is the
regional mixed-grass prairie ecosystem of the Northern Great Plains Steppe
that are both expansive, relatively intact, and comparatively understudied.
Preceding the start of his Ph.D. research, he conducted research relevant
to fire ecology, plant ecophysiology, etc. which resulted in his coauthoring
five peer-reviewed scientific journal articles. Kurt's Ph.D. research at
The Univeristy of Montana and post-doctoral research at Indiana University
focused on three topics: 1) the mechanisms non-native and invasive species
use to impact natural systems, 2) the importance of plant-soil biota interactions
in facilitating the invasion of non-native species, and 3). the impact
of soil biota in regulating patterns of diversity, productivity, and invasive
success. Now he his expanding his understanding of microbiology and learning
techniques necessary to use molecular tools to identify soil microbes.
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Research
Kurt Reinhart's Full Publication List
Publications
(go here for downloadable .pdf files)
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Kurt's future research program will continue to explore topics relating
to the impacts and dynamics of invasive plants, plant community change,
and plant-soil biota interactions while incorporating aspects of fire ecology
and herbivory. His current research program focuses heavily the biological
effects of soil microbes on plants. Because so little is known about these
belowground interactions, especially in mixed-grass prairie systems, basic
research is necessary to confirm the importance of soil microbes on plant
populations, plant communities, and soil health. A specific project with
practical ramifications regards sage-grouse recovery. This research is
concerned with screening arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to develop an optimal
mycorrhizal inocula and improved application methods to improve sagebrush
restoration that will ultimately improve sage-grouse recovery. Successes
may stimulate additional attempts to improve restoration techniques of
mined sites. Additionally, longterm projects will help resolve the effects
of fire and grazing on belowground microbes and processes likely to affect
soil health (e.g. soil fertility, accumulation of organic matter, and soil
aggregates which affect water infiltration).
Recent honors include, as principle investigator, Kurt was awarded grants
funded by the USDA-NRI and National Parks Ecological Research Fellowship
program, and two nationally competitive grant programs.
Educational Background:
- B.S. - 1996 - Appalachian State University, Biology
- Ph.D. - 2003 - University of Montana - Biology
USDA, ARS Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory
243 Fort Keogh Rd
Miles City, MT 59301-4016
Phone: 406-874-8200, Fax: 406-874-8289
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