Lucas Silva, Department of Environmental Studies

Lucas Silva protrait

Lucas Silva

Philip H. Knight Chair of Natural Sciences
Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology
Practice Areas: Biogeochemistry, Climate Change Impacts on Natural and Managed Lands, Ecosystem Science, Ecology and Evolution

SPA Research Lab: Interdisciplinary Research for Enhanced Natural Climate Solutions

Lucas Silva is an academic expert in ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry, with a focus on soil-plant-atmosphere interactions. His research advances ecological management and sustainability of a broad range of ecosystems, promoting innovative strategies to address climate change impacts on people and landscapes while enhancing water and nutrient conservation, biodiversity protection, and carbon sequestration. 

Recent Media:
How the ancient Amazonian 'dark earth' could save Earth’s future (BBC Focus, Dec. 15, 2024)
Ancient Amazonians created mysterious ‘dark earth’ on purpose (Science Magazine, Sept. 20, 2023)
Accounting for carbon from forest to estuary (OVPRI, Oct. 9, 2023)
UO study will engage rural, Indigenous groups on climate issues (OregonNews, Aug. 9, 2023)
Students use UO sustainability data to seek climate solutions (OregonNews, March 24, 2022) 
New Thoughts on Amazonia’s Dark Earth (Archaeology Magazine, Jan. 6, 2021)
UO duo finds way to predict shifts in watersheds as climate changes (OregonNews, May 7, 2018)