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Headshot of Dr. Keith Kisselle

Dr. Keith Kisselle

Title: Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science
Departments: Environmental Studies, Biology
Degrees: Ph.D., Ecology with an emphasis in Environmental Ethics, University of Georgia 1998
M.S., Environmental Science, The Ohio State University 1993
B.A., Biology, DePauw University 1989
Email
Courses Taught

  • BIO 115 – Evolution, Animal Behavior, and Ecology
  • BIO 346 – Ecosystem Ecology
  • ENVS 135 – Fundamentals of Environmental Studies
  • ENVS 222 – Environmental Science
  • BIO 100 – Fungi: Friend or Foe – (3½ week experiential January Term)
Research Interests

Human health studies focus on “microbiomes” and how the community of microorganisms that live in and on humans affects our health. Ecosystem health may also be dependent on the community of microorganisms in and on the soil.  I study how soil microorganisms, especially fungi, interact with plants and other soil organisms to affect processes like energy flow and nutrient cycling. Along with faculty colleagues (Kelly Reed, Peter Schulze) and several AC students, I study soils and their microbial communities under human management, specifically agriculture and restoration. Research questions I pursue are at the college’s own prairie restoration site include:

  • Does the soil microbiome change with prescribed burning or cattle grazing?
  • Will restoration of the plant & microbiome increase the soil’s ability to store carbon safely out of the atmosphere?
  • Will changes in who is in the microbiome or how the microbiome functions help restore the native Blackland prairie plants?
  • Can changes in the microbiome indicate signs of prairie restoration?
Selected Publications

Tukdi, M., L. Kennan, and K. W. Kisselle.  An Evaluation of Prairie Restoration using Fungal Diversity. Austin College Scholars Conference. 21-22 March 2025

Kisselle, K. W., K. E. Reed, A. J. Horton, L. S= t. Clair, and R. Stone. Effects of plant species and soil characteristics o= n rhizosphere microbial community structure in North Texas prairies. Ecolog= ical Society of America National Meeting. August 2011.

Kisselle, K.W., R.G. Zepp, R.A. Burke, A. Pinto, M.M.C. Bustamante, S. Opsa= hl, R. F. Varella, and L. T. Viana. 2002. Seasonal soil fluxes of carbon m= onoxide in burned and unburned Brazilian savannas. Journal of Geophysical Research.

In the News:

  • Attended United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28) as an observer with 4 Austin College student climate ambassadors, in Dubai, UAE, November 2022 Link
  • Threats to the Canadian Boreal Forest: My Sabbatical with the National Resources Defense Council. Austin College, 7 October 2020. Link

Faculty Extras:

  • Sponsor biology student interest group and TriBeta (Biological Honorary Society)
  • Advocate for student service projects and campus greening initiatives
  • Enjoy attending AC student events including fine arts (choir, band, symphony, art, theatre), cultural association events, and sports competitions
  • Sing in community choir, Sostenuto, and campus quartet
  • Love to hike, kayak, bike, camp & spend time in nature
  • Speak Portuguese at intermediate level