Courtney's doctoral and post-doctoral research (2012-2017) focused on phosphorus dynamics in freshwater and agricultural systems, with specific attention paid to plant and microbial processes that promote the bioavailability of organic phosphorus. As CEMS Lab Manager (2017-2019), Courtney expanded her understanding of the engineering disciplines and interest in STEM education. Courtney's professional interests include sustainability science, STEM education, innovative teaching strategies, and instructional research. Her personal interests include trail running, cycling, hiking, yoga, land conservation, and various other outdoor activities.
Director of Curricular Enrichment and Lecturer
Publications
Giles, CD, AE Richardson, BJ Cade-Menun et al. (2018). Phosphorus acquisition by citrate- and phytase-exuding Nicotiana tabacum plant mixtures depends on soil phosphorus availability and root intermingling. Physiol Planta doi: 10.1111/ppl/12718.
Giles, CD, L Dupuy, G Boitt et al. (2017). Root development impacts on the distribution of phosphatase activity: Improvements in quantification using soil zymography. Soil Biol Biochem 116. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2017.08.011.
Giles, CD, TS George, LK Brown et al. (2016). Response-based selection of barley cultivars and legume species for complementarity: Root morphology and exudation in relation to nutrient source. Plant Sci. 255: 12-28. doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2016.11.002.
Alegria-Terrazas, R, CD Giles, E Paterson, S Robertson-Albertyn, S Cesco, T Mimmo, Y Pii, D Bulgarelli (2016). Plant-microbiota interactions as a driver of the mineral turnover in the rhizosphere. In: Advances in Applied Microbiology. Elsevier.
Giles, CD, P Isles, G Druschel, AW Schroth (2015d). Phosphorus and metals mobility in the sediment-water continuum of a shallow, freshwater lake under stratified and mixed water-column conditions. Biogeochem. 127 (1): 15-34. doi: 10.1007/s10533-015-0144-x.
Giles, CD, BJ Cade-Menun (2014). Phytate in Animal Manure and Soils: Abundance, Chemistry and Bioavailability, Chapter 11. In: Applied Manure and Nutrient Chemistry for Sustainable Agriculture. He, Z, H Zhang (eds). Springer. ISBN 978-94-017-8806-9.
Giles, CD, BJ Cade-Menun, JE Hill (2011). The Inositol Phosphates in Manures and Soils: Abundance, Cycling, and Measurement. Can J Soil Sci. 91: 397-416. doi: 10.4141/cjss09090.
Areas of Expertise and/or Research
Phosphorus biogeochemistry, laboratory instrumentation & management, technical writing, active & project based learning
Education
- Ph.D., Civil & Environmental Engineering
Contact
Votey 115B
Courses Taught
- CE 001 Statics
- CE 254 Environmental Quantitative Analysis
- ENGR 396 Technical Writing for Engineers