About Us
Advancing conservation science through research, education, and partnerships across the Borderlands.
GRADUATE ASSISTANT
Asia Cornelius
PhD Student
Project: Exploring mycorrhizal dynamics in grazed ecosystems: A comparative analysis of rotationally grazed vs. continuously grazed systems on varied soil types
Advisor: Drs. Carlos E. “Lalo” Gonzalez, Maureen G. Frank, and Justin T. French
Asia has always been captivated by the intricate relationships between plants and their surrounding ecosystems, particularly within the Chihuahuan Desert. Beyond her academic pursuits, she has a deep passion for the outdoors. Exploring nature through hiking has deepened her appreciation for the environment. In her free time, you may find her tending to the garden, where she cultivates various plant species. Gardening serves as a way for her to beautify her surroundings and as a mindful activity that promotes mental clarity and tranquility. Asia completed her BS in Biology, specializing in Plant Biology and minoring in Natural Resource Management, at Sul Ross State University in 2022. She earned her M.S. in Range and Wildlife Management from Sul Ross State University in 2025, where her research focused on mycorrhizal abundance on rangelands. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Wildlife and Rangeland Sciences through the joint doctoral program between Sul Ross State University and Texas A&M – Kingsville.
Healthy rangelands depend on the interactions between vegetation, soils, and microbial communities. Soil microorganisms influence nutrient cycling, plant establishment, and ecosystem resilience, making them indicators of rangeland condition. Asia’s doctoral research investigates how land management practices influence soil microbial communities, vegetation, and ecosystem function across Texas rangelands. Her work includes using vegetation monitoring, soil analyses, and microbial community characterization to evaluate restoration techniques for invasive grass management while also examining broader patterns of soil microbial diversity across environmental gradients. By integrating aboveground and belowground responses, her research aims to improve restoration outcomes and provide recommendations for sustainable rangeland management in arid and semiarid ecosystems.
