Sophia Forstmann

My research bridges ecology and agriculture to improve food and waste systems for the greater good of people and the planet. Having worked on a farm since a young age, I have a deep connection to agricultural systems which informs my scientific approach. Currently, I am working to improve the spatial and temporal resolution of carbon-13 isotopic source signatures of methane in tropical cattle systems, advancing our understanding of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. In parallel, I'm quantifying macro- and microplastic contamination in commercial compost, examining samples from municipal and agricultural facilities across different feedstock sources and production years using density separation, Fenton oxidation, and FTIR spectroscopy to identify polymer types and contamination trends. This work addresses critical gaps in our knowledge of plastic persistence in agricultural soils and food webs, providing baseline data that will inform compost producers, farmers, and policymakers in developing improved waste sorting and processing protocols. My perspective, rooted in both fieldwork and ecological research, drives my commitment to creating sustainable agricultural systems that protect environmental health while supporting food production. Outside the lab, you'll find me working on my cookbook with the Stanford O'Donohue Family Farm, camping, or spending time with my cat.

Funding: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)

Education: B.S. Plant Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (2024