Eric Duell

Professional Summary

Dr. Eric Duell is a plant ecologist whose work centers on the complex and dynamic relationships between plants and soil microorganisms. His research explores how these interactions influence broader ecological processes and contribute to ecosystem services, with a particular focus on the interplay between the two. Deeply connected to the landscapes of North America’s Great Plains—where he has spent his entire life—he has developed a strong affinity for grassland and prairie ecosystems.

His work spans multiple ecological scales, from the level of individual plants to entire ecosystems. Through a combination of laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments, Dr. Duell investigates host-mutualist dynamics, using native prairie plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi as a model system. His research aims to uncover how these fundamental relationships shape ecological function and resilience across space and time.