Urban
Nina works on improving the quality of urban life by enhancing the functions of plants within the urban ecosystem. She integrates plant stress physiology, horticultural science, plant ecology and soil science and applies them to three broad areas of inquiry.
Jean's research includes the degradation of pharmaceuticals in mortality and manure and characterizing and developing beneficial uses for organic residuals. Her education program focuses on composting food, manure, animal carcasses, and compost quality and use.
Perl’s research focuses on urban soil contaminants, nutrient cycling, and how newly constructed soils can support climate change mitigation and environmental justice. She conducted the first pilot study for the NYC Mayor’s Office of Environmental Remediation’s Clean Soil Bank and will expand upon this work in the Cornell Agriculture in the City project by supporting field and greenhouse studies, conducting lab analyses, and coordinating data sharing between stakeholder groups.