Plant Management
Resume:
Solomon Kariuki, Ph.D.
Department of Environmental
Science and Technology
University of Maryland
Office Phone 301-***-****
Fax: 301-***-****
E-mail: z9396m@r.postjobfree.com
EDUCATION
Ph.D. (Soil Science) Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Dissertation Chairman: Dr. Hailin Zhang
Committee Members: Dr. William Raun, Dr. Jeff Edwards, and Dr. Mark Payton
Major Field: Soil Fertility/Chemistry
Graduation Date: July 2007
Dissertation Title: My dissertation composed of three projects under the following topics:
I. Hard red winter wheat cultivar response to a pH and aluminum concentration gradient
II. Spatial variability and soil sampling in a grazed pasture
III. The response of dual-purpose winter wheat to phosphorus rates and application methods in an acid soil.
M.S. (Plant & Soil Sci.) Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Thesis Chairman: Dr. Eugene Krenzer
Major Field: Soil Science
Graduation Date: December 2003
Thesis Title: Phosphorus requirement for dual-purpose and grain-only wheat.
M.S. (Ag. Economics) Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Thesis Chairman: Dr. Clem Ward
Major Field: Agriculture Economics -Marketing
Graduation Date: July 1998
Thesis Work: Least cost analysis for alfalfa-hay movement in the US
B.S. (Ag. Economics) Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Advisor: Dr. Steve Knoontz
Option: Agriculture Economics
Graduation Date: May 1995
EXPERIENCE
Environmental Science and Technology (ENST), University of Maryland (UMD) College Park, MD
Post-doctoral Research and Extension 2008-Present
Supervisor: Dr. Joshua McGrath
Email: z9396m@r.postjobfree.com
Phone 301-***-****
Specific Research Project Leadership
Evaluation of Commercial Nitrogen Stabilizers
Dynamics of Ammonia Volatilization from Poultry Manure and Urea Applied to Selected Maryland Soils
Understanding the Nature and Properties of Pelletized Poultry Litter
Variable Rate Nitrogen Side-dress in Maryland Corn (A corroboration with university of Delaware)
Corn Response to Sulfur in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. (A corroboration with University of Delaware)
Primary Responsibilities
• Laboratory Management -Laboratory for Ag and Environmental Science (LAES)
Supervised routine laboratory operation
The laboratory group ranges from 10 – 20 personnel including undergraduate, graduate, and full-time employees
Identified areas for improvement, recommended solutions, and implemented upgrades
Trained new personnel in the LAES group and personnel working for other faculty across campus on laboratory procedures
Enforced lab equipment standard operating procedure (SOP)
Revived a defunct Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) laboratory
Currently running approximately 8,000 samples/year for: Dr. McGrath’s group, faculty in the department, campus wide departments, USDA-ARS, and other universities.
Established a Gaseous-Analytical laboratory with a capacity of 100 chambers
Presently used for trapping ammonia and carbon dioxide gases
Updated lab methods manual
Responsible for keeping methods current and adding new methods as appropriate
Responsible for analytical equipment purchases, trouble shooting and maintenance
Lachat, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), ion selective electrode (ISE), Microwave and Hotblock-digesters, automatic diluters, titrators, and pipetters
Conducted the lab QA/QC for methods and equipments using Certified Reference Samples (CRM) and periodically tested lab water system for pH and resistivity
Conducted and supervised laboratory-based experiments and analyzed soil, water, manure, and plant sample for macro-and micro-nutrients
Enforced Environmental Safety code of laboratory operation
Analytical Instruments - proficient
LECO- Carbon Hydrogen and Nitrogen (CHN) analyzer
Inductively Coupled Plasma- Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES)
Flow Injection Analyzer (FIA) -Lachat
Analytical Instruments - with working knowledge
Atomic Absorption (AA) Spectroscopy
Ion Chromatography (IC)
• Extension Education
Developed and delivered new approaches for effective management of essential plant nutrients and soil properties, with respect to soil, and environmental quality maintenance
Interacted with producers, State, and County educators in the development and dissemination of new technologies and research findings
• Field Experiments
Responsible for designing experiments and supervising their execution in the field
• Supervised plot layout, treatment application, and data collection
• Coordinate LAES personnel fieldwork logistics
• Data Processing and Communication
Statistically analyzed data and prepared manuscripts
Presented findings at conferences and local workshops
Attended to crop producers’ questions and/or concerns
• Student Mentor
Supervised and mentored two undergraduate students on work-study
Assisted Dr. McGrath in advising his graduate students
TEACHING
Environmental Science and Technology Dept., University of Maryland
Weekly Module in ENST602 (Fall Semester)
Coordinated by Dr. Martin Rabenhorst
Email: z9396m@r.postjobfree.com
Phone: 301-***-****
The Use of ICP-AES in Environmental Science Fall 2009-Present
Responsibilities
• Lectured two 1-hr blocks
• Assigned background reading assignment
• Designed and assigned 3-hour laboratory experiments
• Assessed students at the end of week
Soil Phosphorus Testing Methods Fall 2010
Responsibilities
• Lectured two 1-hr blocks
• Assigned background reading assignment
• Designed and assigned 3-hour laboratory experiments
• Assessed students at the end of week
Plant and Soil Science Dept., Oklahoma State University
Fundamentals of Soil (Soil 2124) laboratory teaching Fall 2007
Supervisor: Dr. Jeff Hattey
Email: z9396m@r.postjobfree.com
Phone: 405-***-****
Responsibilities
• In charge of 2-hour teaching lab
• Introduced students to fundamental soil functions and processes
• Graded laboratory exercises
• Assisted students during office hours
• Participated in weekly meetings chaired by Dr. Hattey
Soil Chemistry and Environmental Quality (Soil 4893)
Teaching Assistant Spring 2005
Subject Professor: Dr. Hailin Zhang
Responsibilities
• Assisted Dr. Zhang in making exams and homework
• Demonstrated soil related experiments in class
• Graded exams and homework
• Provided tutoring to students as needed
Plant and Soil Sci. Dept, Oklahoma State University (PSS-OSU), Stillwater, OK
Research Assistant 2007-2008
Mentor: Dr. Hailin Zhang
Email: z9396m@r.postjobfree.com, Phone 405-***-****
Primary Responsibilities
• Analytical methods development
Biodiesel analysis on ICP (Spectro Ciros-CCD)
o Obtained parts from Spectro Ameteck and biodiesel analytical Standards from Conostat, Inc.
o Modified the ICP to include a biodiesel analysis channel
• Coordinated inter-laboratory collaboration Mehich 3 method validation study for Soil Sci. Society of America (SSSA)
Solicited collaboration from National and International Soil Testing Labs
Analyzed data for Mehlich 3 analytes reproducibility and repeatability among labs using Horowitz model
• Assisted the Dr. Zhang in laboratory and field studies establishment
Conducted preliminary soil testing for location identification
Studied implementation and management
• Statistically analyzed and summarized lab analytical data
• Communicated findings
Journal Publication
Conference presentations
Local workshops presentations
Plant and Soil Sci. Dept, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D) 2004-2006
Supervisor: Dr. Hailin Zhang
Dissertation Projects
• Hard red winter wheat cultivar response to a pH and aluminum concentration gradient
• Spatial variability and soil sampling in a grazed pasture
• The response of dual-purpose winter wheat to phosphorus rates and application methods in an acid soil
Responsibilities
• Laboratory and field experiments establishment and management
• Personnel management
• Plant and soils samples laboratory analysis and interpretation
• Data analysis and results presentation
Plant and Soil Sci. Dept, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater Oklahoma
Graduate Research Assistant (MS) 2002-2003
Supervisor: Dr. Eugene Krenzer (retired)
Thesis Project
• Phosphorus Requirement for Dual-Purpose Wheat in the Southern Plains of the U.S.
Responsibilities
• Analyzed field soil samples for essential nutrients and organic carbon
• Designed plot layouts and applied experimental treatments
• Supervised and participated in treatment application
• Supervised and participated in grain and forage wheat harvest
• Analyzed statistical models in Statistical Analysis System (SAS) package
• Summarized progress reports in departmental publications
Agricultural Economic Dept., Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
Graduate Research Assistant (MS) 1996-1998
Supervisor: Dr. Clem Ward
Email: z9396m@r.postjobfree.com
Phone: 405-***-****
Thesis Project: Modeling of Efficient Alfalfa-hay Movement in the U.S.
• Gathered production and sales data on alfalfa and cattle
• Conducted production and marketing survey and summarized data
• Built an interstate distance matrix for least-cost alfalfa flow in the contiguous U.S.
RESEARCH GRANTSMANSHIP
Project: Utilization of Yield Monitors and Active Optical Sensors for Variable Rate Nitrogen Application in Maryland to Increase Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Corn
PI: Dr. Joshua McGrath
z9396m@r.postjobfree.com
Submitted to Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board
Amount Requested: $54,000
Amount Received: $54,000
Project: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Nitrogen Adsorption onto 2:1 and1:1 clays and Organic Matter
Submitted to Georgia Pacific Inc.
Amount Requested: $14,700
Amount Received: Pending
Project: Delivery of Scalable Fertilizer Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendations Using Optical Sensors for Emerging Production Agriculture
PI: Dr. William Raun
z9396m@r.postjobfree.com
Submitted to Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation
Amount Requested: $7,400,000
Amount Received: Deferred for future consideration
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
1. N.M. Fiorellino, J.M. McGrath, S.K. Kariuki, M.J. Calkins, B. Momen and A.O. Burk. 2011. Use of Best Management Practices and Pasture and Soil Quality on Maryland Horse Farms. J. Soil Water Cons. (in review)
2. N.M. Fiorellino, S.K. Kariuki, J.M. McGrath, M.J. Calkins, B. Momen and A.O. Burk. 2011. Use of Best Management Practices and Pasture Soil Quality on Maryland Horse Farms. Proceedings of the 2011 Equine Society Symposium. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 39:289-290.
3. Kariuki, S.K. and J. McGrath. Efficacy of Controlled Release Nitrogen Fertilizers on Mitigating Fertilizer Ammonia Loss (internal review)
4. Kariuki, S.K. and J. McGrath. Ammonia Volatilization from Surface Applied Poultry Manure and Synthetic Fertilizers on Mid-Atlantic Selected Soils (internal review)
5. Kariuki, S.K.., J. Schroder, H. Zhang, T. Hanks, J. McGrath, and M. Payton. 2010. Temporal Variability of Soil Property Dynamics in a Grazed Pasture. Comm. Soil Sciences and Plant Analysis. J. 41: 2744–2754.
6. Kariuki, S.K., H. Zhang, J.L. Schroder, T. Hanks, M. Payton, and T. Morris. 2009. Spatial Variability and Soil Sampling Across Pasture. Comm. Soil Sciences and Plant Analysis. J. 40:1674-1687.
7. Zhang, H., S.K. Kariuki, J.L. Schroder, M. Payton, and C. Focht. 2009. Interlaboratory Validation of the Mehlich 3 Method for Extraction of Plant-Available Phosphorus. AOAC. J. 92: 91-102.
8. Kariuki, S.K., H. Zhang, J.L. Schroder, J. Edwards, M. Payton, B. Carver, W.R. Raun, and E.G. Krenzer. 2007. Hard Red Winter Wheat Cultivar Differences in Response to a pH and Aluminum Concentration Gradient Agron. J. 99:88-98.
9. Girma, K., K.L. Martin, R.H. Anderson, D.B. Arnall, K.D. Brixey, M.A. Casillas, B.Chung, B.C. Dobey, S. Kamenidou, S.K. Kariuki, E. Katsalirou, J.C. Morris, J.Q. Moss, C.T. Rohla, B.J. Sudbury, B.S. Tubana, and W.R. Raun. 2005. Mid-Season Prediction of Wheat Grain Yield Potential Using Plant Soil and Sensor Measurements. J. Plant Nutri. 29: 873-897.
EXTENSION PUBLICATIONS
1. Zhang, H., Travis Hanks, S.K. Kariuki, Mike Smolen and Jamie Mundy. 2006. How to Overcome Soil Variability and Collect a Representative Soil Sample? Oklahoma State University Extension Services. Field tour, Jay, Oklahoma.
2. Kariuki, S.K., H. Zhang, and G. Krenzer. 2004. Phosphorus Requirement for Dual-Purpose Wheat. P-1004: p. 35. Partners in Progress. Oklahoma Agricultural Experimental Station. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK.
3. Ward, C.E.and S.K. Kariuki 1996. Oklahoma Steer Feed-Out: Ten-Year Performance Summary; Has Cattle Quality Improved? Series: A.E. (Stillwater, Oklahoma); 9683.
4. Ward C.E., Huhnke, R and S.K. Kariuki. 1998. Alfalfa Hay Markets: Least Cost Alfalfa Movement. Oklahoma Alfalfa Hay and Seed Association Vol. 22 No. 9.
5. Ward, C. E., S.K.Kariuki, and Raymond L. Huhnke. 1998. Domestic and International Markets for Alfalfa Hay. Oklahoma State University, Final report for AMS-USDA.
6. Kariuki, S.K., Hailin Zhang, and Sharla Lovern. 2007. Using a Rainfall Simulator to Measure Phosphorus Loss. Oklahoma Conservation Commission Demonstration Farm Field day Bulletin.
ABSTRACTS
1. Kariuki, S.K., J. McGrath, G. Binford. Corn Production Response to Sulfur in the Mid-Atlantic Region. American Society of Agronomy Conference, San Antonio, TX Oct 2011.
2. N.M. Fiorellino, A.O. Burk, J.M. McGrath, S.K. Kariuki, and B. Momen and. 2011. Assessing Best Management Practice Implementation and Pasture Quality on Maryland (USA) Horse Farms. American Society of Agronomy Conference, San Antonio, TX Oct 2011.
3. Kariuki, S.K., J. McGrath, K. Bejleri and S. Close Ammonia Volatilization from Surface Applied Poultry Manure and Synthetic Fertilizers on Selected Mid-Atlantic Soils. American Society of Agronomy Conference, Long Beach, CA Nov 2010.
4. Kariuki, S.K., Hailin Zhang, Jackie L. Schroder, Joshua McGrath, and Jamie Mundy. Grazed Pasture Soil Temporal Variability. American Society of Agronomy Conference, Houston, TX Oct 2008.
5. H. Zhang, S.K. Kariuki, M. Payton, and Charles Focht. A Collaborative Study of Mehlich 3 Soil Test. American Society of Agronomy Conference, New Orleans LA Nov 2007.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
1. Kariuki, S.K., J. McGrath, and G. Binford. Methods of Soil Sulfur Extraction and Corn Response to Sulfur in Mid-Atlantic. Mid-Atlantic Soil and Plant Testing Meeting, Richmond, VA, February 2012.
2. Fiorellino, N., J. McGrath, S. Kariuki, B. Momen, and A. Burk. Assessing Best Management Practice Implementation and Pasture Quality On Maryland (USA) Horse Farms. American Society of Agronomy Conference North Eastern Branch, Chesapeake Beach, MD, July 2011.
3. Kariuki, S.K., J. McGrath, and G. Binford. Corn Production Response to Sulfur in the Mid-Atlantic Region. American Society of Agronomy Conference, San Antonio, TX Oct 2011.
4. Kariuki, S.K., J. McGrath, K. Bejleri and S. Close Ammonia Volatilization from Surface Applied Poultry Manure and Synthetic Fertilizers on Selected Mid-Atlantic Soils. American Society of Agronomy Conference, Long Beach, CA, Nov 2010.
5. Kariuki, S.K. and J. McGrath. Efficacy Dynamics of Nitrogen Balance under the Influence of N-Stabilizers. American Society of Agronomy Conference, Long Beach, CA Nov 2010.
6. Kariuki, S.K. and J. McGrath. Efficacy of Nitrogen “Stabilizers” on Mitigating Fertilizer Ammonia Loss. American Society of Agronomy Conference, Pittsburg, PA. Oct 2009.
7. Kariuki, S.K., H. Zhang, and Josh McGrath. Trace Metal Analysis in Various Biodiesel Sources, Mid Atlantic Plant and Soil Group, Richmond VA April 2009.
8. Kariuki, S.K., J. McGrath, Y. Fouli, W. Thomason and W. Raun. Utilization of Active Optical Sensors for Chesapeake Bay Nitrogen Loading Mitigation. University of Maryland Bioscience Day Nov 2008.
9. Kariuki, S.K., J. McGrath, Y. Fouli, W. Thomason and W. Raun. Utilizing Active Optical Sensors and Remote Sensing for Variable Rate N Side-dress in Maryland Corn. Sera 17 Conference, Kent Island, MD July 2008.
10. Kariuki, S.K., H. Zhang, and Nurhan Dunford. Determination of Trace Metals in Biodiesel. American Society of Agronomy Conference, Houston, TX, Oct 2008.
11. Kariuki, S.K., J. McGrath, H. Zhang. Evaluating Mehlich 3 Reproducibility among Multiple Elements Analyzed in ICP: A Collaborative Study. NE Brach. American Society of Agronomy Conference, Montreal, Canada July 2008.
12. Kariuki, S.K., H. Zhang, M. Payton, and C. Focht. A Collaborative Study of Mehlich 3 Soil Test. American Society of Agronomy Conference, New Orleans LA, Nov 2007.
13. Kariuki, S.K., H. Zhang, T. Hanks, and J. L. Schroder. Spatial variability of Soil Sampling Across Pasture, American Society of Agronomy Conference, Indianapolis, IN Nov 2006.
14. Kariuki, S.K., H. Zhang, J.L. Schroder, J. Edwards, M. Payton, W.R. Raun, and B. Carver. Winter Wheat Varieties Growth Tolerance to Aluminum Toxicity. American Society of Agronomy Conference, Salt Lake City, UT Nov 2005.
15. Kariuki, S.K., E.G. Krenzer, H. Zhang, and M. Payton. Phosphorus Requirements for Dual-Purpose and Grain Only Wheat. American Society of Agronomy Conference, Denver, CO Nov 2004.
EXTENSION WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS
1. Kariuki, S.K. Validation of Fertilizer Enhancers. Howard County, MD Extension Workshop, Howard County Headquarters March 2010.
2. Kariuki, S.K. Nutrient Management Update. Carroll County, MD Extension Workshop, Carroll County Hall Feb 2010.
3. Kariuki, S.K., Josh McGrath, and Ymene Fouli. Managing Nitrogen for Corn in Times of High Fertilizer Prices: A Case for Adaptive Management. Ag Day, Kent County Maryland Feb 2009.
4. Kariuki, S.K. Soil, Manure, & Plant Sampling Nutrient Analysis and Assessment. Mid Atlantic Crop Management School, Ocean City, Maryland Nov 2008.
5. Kariuki, S.K. Advanced Nitrogen Management for Corn. Ag Day, Queen Anne County, Maryland Mar 2008.
6. Kariuki, S.K. Manure & Soil Sampling, Nutrient Analysis and Assessment. CCA Training, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Annapolis MD June 2008.
7. Kariuki, S.K. “No-till is good for water quality”: Rainfall Simulator Demonstration. No-till Meeting, Alfalfa County Cherokee Oklahoma April 2007.
8. Kariuki, S.K. Precision agriculture: a Kenyan Challenge., Dept of Biomechanical and Environmental Engineering, Jomo Kenyatta University of Ag. & Tech., Juja, Kenya March 2007.
9. Kariuki, S.K. Spatial Variability of Optimum Soil Sub-Samples to Make up a Composite Sample, In-service training Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK February 2007.
10. Kariuki, S.K. Kenya Agricultural Systems. Invited Speaker in Cropland Ecosystems Class, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK October 2006.
11. Loper, S., C. Turner, J. Siebert, T. Hanks, S. Kariuki, S. Skiles, J. Morris, L. Fultz, H. Zhang, and J. Hattey. Reducing Soil Erosion. CCA Workshop, Lahoma OK May 2006.
CERTIFICATIONS/ RECOGNITION
• Soil Chemistry and Environmental Quality (Oklahoma State University)
• Laboratory Methods of Soil, Plant, and Environmental Analysis (Oklahoma State University)
• Soil Chemical Processes and Impact on Environmental Quality (Oklahoma State University)
• Leadership Development (American Society of Agronomy)
• Certificate of Service - American Society of Agronomy (2011).
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Grant Writing Seminar, Department of Engineering University of Maryland May, 2010
• Grant Writing UMD Epsilon Sigma Phi sponsored Webminar April, 2010
• Leadership I (8 hours ), America Society of Agronomy, Houston, TX Oct, 2008
• Leadership II (8 hours), America Society of Agronomy, Pittsburg, PA Nov, 2009
• Training in Professoriate Seminars (TIPS), Oklahoma State University Spring, 2004
Planning for career in academia Jan 14, 2004
Responsibilities of the professoriate Jan 28, 2004
Engaging classroom pedagogy Feb 11, 2004
Professional presenting & publishing Feb 25, 2004
Developing a research agenda Mar10, 2004
Diversity Issues in higher education Mar24, 2004
Advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students Apr 7, 2004
Promotion & tenure: the name of the game Apr 21,2004
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
• Crop Science Society of America (CSA)
• Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)
• Agronomy Society of America (ASA)
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
• Associate Editor, Agronomy Journal 2009-Present
• Reviewer, Soil Science Society Journal 2009-Present
• Guest Reviewer, Journal of Agriculture and Extension Education 2009
• UMD-ENST Department Chair search committee Spring 2010
• UMD-ENST Department Soil Microbiology faculty search Fall 2010
• Poster Judge for College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences in
University of Maryland Bioscience Week 2010-Present
SKILLS & TOOLS
• Analytical
Proficient in Statistical software: SPSS, SAS, and Shazam
Familiar with Generalized Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS)
Proficient in MINTEQ chemical speciation software
• Programming
Proficient in C language and Linear Programming with GAMS and Solver
Working knowledge of Visual Basic, Pascal, HTML and Front Page
• Database
Relational Database programming- Access
Spatial Database programming -GIS (ArcView/ArcMap/ArcInfo)
OTHER EXPERIENCES-Accounting & Finance
Accounting and Finance Contractor Robert Half International (Home office, Menlo Park, CA) 1998 – 2001
Assisted debit-to-credit purchasing account conversions
Responsible for accounts payable and accounts receivable
Processed bi-weekly payroll and computed employees’ benefits
Assisted in system switch from PeopleSoft to Automated Data
Processing (ADP) Human Resources system at Kaiser Permanente, Atlanta GA
Contributed in ledger journal entries and reconciliations
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