Stephen A. Boyd

University Distinguished Professor, Crop and Soil Sciences.

532 Plant and Soil Sciences
517-353-3993
Boyds@msu.edu

Research Interests:
Dr. Boyd research is in the broad areas of environmental chemistry and microbiology. He studies the movement of organics in soil; microbial and catalytic degradation; sorption and degradation of organic contaminants, pesticides and metals in soils and sediments; and the remediation of contaminated soils, subsoils, and sediments.

Dr. Boyd's research programs include the design, synthesis, and characterization of chemically modified clays for sorption and/or catalytic degradation of organic contaminants and heavy metals. He also examines the mechanistic interactions of organic toxicants with natural and anthropogenic organic phases in soils, and with natural and modified clays. One goal is the development of in-situ soil modification technologies to prevent migration of organic contaminants in surface and subsurface environments. He looks at the biodegradation of xenobiotics, especially reductive dechlorination reactions of PCBs in anaerobic habitats; and the bioavailability of soil- and sediment-bound organic contaminants to pollutant degrading bacteria. His work allows him to examine the effects of contaminant biodegradation on toxicity.

Educational Background:
Central Michigan University, B.S., 1975, Chemistry 
Purdue University, M.S., 1978, Soil Chemistry 
Purdue University, Ph.D., 1980, Soil Chemistry

Selected Professional Activities:
Dr. Boyd's honors and awards include: University Distinguished Professor (MSU, 2005); Chair, Soil Chemistry Division S-2 (SSSA, 2005-2007); Jackson Award in Soil Science (SSSA, 2004); Designated “Highly Cited Researcher” in Environment/Ecology category, Institute for Scientific Information (2002); Distinguished Faculty Award (MSU, 2001), Soil Science Research Award (SSSA, 1999); Jackson Mid-Career Award in Clay Science (CMS, 1999); Chair, Soils and Environmental Quality Division S-11 (SSSA, 1998-99); Council Member of the Clay Minerals Society (1998-01); Environmental Quality Research Award (ASA, 1993); Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America (1992); Chair, Environmental Quality Division A-5 (ASA/SSSA, 1993-94); Sigma Xi Junior Scientist Award for Meritorious Research (1990); ASA Visiting Scientist Grant Award (1986); American Institute of Chemists Award (1975); David Ross Fellow (Purdue); Graduated Magna Cum Laude (CMU).

Publications:

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