By Michael Barnes
Hello, everyone, I’m Michael Barnes, a Postdoctoral Researcher who started on July 1st. I’ll be working on a number of research projects during my appointment.
I received my Ph.D. in Natural Resources Science and Management from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. My research has focused on the intersection of where urban nature, sustainability, and well-being meet and in particular human dimensions of natural resource management.
Specifically related to turf, I’ve conducted research on how public land managers perceived low-input turfgrasses (specifically fine fescues), as well as trying to understand barriers to and opportunities for transitioning to more sustainable turfgrasses on public lands and on college campuses. One thing I’ve enjoyed about my past work, which I gratefully get to continue in this role, is the direct communication of findings to other researchers, professionals, and decision-makers that pushes not only research forward but has real-world impacts to promote sustainability efforts.
I’m excited to be working with a great team, and continue to learn and grow my knowledge of turfgrass and help facilitate conversations to make our research more approachable and applicable to make real-world changes easier for public land managers, golf course superintendents, and other stakeholders.