Michael Preston

Background

About Michael Preston

My current research investigates how the microbial community influences biogeochemical cycles in forest and wetlands soils as well as freshwater lakes. Specifically, I'm examining the controls on microbial decomposition of organic matter, and how we can use forests as a natural climate solution to reduce atmospheric carbon by increasing carbon storage in the soil. I've always cared about the environment. Growing up in the Yorkshire Dales, England, the outdoors is everywhere. I developed a keen interest in protecting this landscape. As a kid, I’d pick up litter with the ‘Wombles’ and encourage my parents to recycle. This naturally led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in Applied Ecology. I gained the Applied by spending a year at the Centre of Population Biology. There I studied the fascinating interaction between pea aphids and a parasitic wasp. The wasp lays its eggs inside the living aphid! To increase my knowledge of the environment as a whole, I moved to Canada to pursue a Masters degree in biogeochemistry. This is the study of how biology, geology and chemistry interact. I looked at how future climate change would impact the water movement and chemistry in a watershed. During my doctoral studies, I combined my knowledge of the living and physical environments. I investigate the impact of climate change on wetland ecosystems.