Soil and environmental scientist Theophilus Udeigwe has been named an assistant professor in Texas Tech University's Department of Plant and Soil Science, according to officials with the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. He officially stepped into his new teaching and research post on Sept. 1.

Udeigwe indicated that he's particularly interested in continuing his research efforts on soil and environmental chemistry; water quality; and soil fertility and nutrient management here on the Texas High Plains. In his previous position at Louisiana State University he served as a project leader on various agronomy and environmental projects.

Recently his research has focused on water quality monitoring of Lake St. Joseph in northeastern Louisiana, as well as designing and implementing best management practices in Louisiana's Tensas River watershed. He's also worked on developing crop coefficient for cotton irrigation in the Mid-South United States, and evaluated performance of transgenic and conventional cotton and soybean varieties.

Prior to joining the Texas Tech faculty, Udeigwe served as a research associate and later assistant professor at Louisiana State University AgCenter's Northeast Research Station. He also worked as a graduate research and teaching assistant with Louisiana State's School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences. He received his bachelor's degree in soil science from the University of Nigeria, and his master's degree and doctorate in soil and environmental chemistry from Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge.

Written by Norman Martin

CONTACT: Richard Zartman, Department Chair and Leidigh Professor of Soil Physics, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2838 or richard.zartman@ttu.edu

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