USask research chair supports sustainable development of soil resources

The research chair focuses on the interaction between agriculture and the environment, with a goal of providing solutions for Saskatchewan producers that support sustainable land management and helping them adapt to a changing climate. It is part of the Strategic Research Program (SRP), funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

“My career has centred on understanding the complex interactions between soil, plants, water, and the atmosphere,” said Brown. “I am excited about the opportunity to continue my research at the University of Saskatchewan and contribute to Saskatchewan’s agricultural sustainability and climate goals.”

Brown has more than 15 years of experience researching greenhouse gas emissions in the context of agronomy and agricultural soil processes, and began her new five-year appointment as research chair and assistant professor in the Department of Soil Science at USask on May 15, 2026.

“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Shannon Brown to the University of Saskatchewan,” said Dr. Trever Crowe (PhD), acting dean of the USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio). “Her research experience with greenhouse gas emissions and her ability to find solutions to real-world agri-environmental challenges makes her a perfect fit as this SRP Chair. In her new role, she will lead research on sustainable agricultural solutions that benefit Saskatchewan producers while helping them adapt to a changing climate.”

“Dr. Brown’s appointment is an excellent example of our college’s partnership with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, as well as our collective commitment to research and innovation,” Crowe added. “We’re driving knowledge creation and technological solutions to address sustainability, productivity, and emerging challenges in agriculture.”

Prior to being recruited by USask, Brown was working as a staff scientist at the Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and was a research associate in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph from 2013-2024. She previously served as a teaching assistant in the Department of Geography/School of Environmental Sciences at Guelph. Brown’s research into agricultural nitrous oxide emissions also involved collaborative work with USask’s Dr. Kate Congreves (PhD), the Jarislowsky and BMO Research Chair in Regenerative Agriculture, and with Dr. Richard Farrell (PhD), the SRP Chair in Soil Biological Processes.

“Research is key to advancing sustainable agriculture and strengthening our climate change response. The Government of Canada is proud to support the Strategic Research Program Chairs at the University of Saskatchewan,” said federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald. “By supporting this initiative, we are helping to ensure producers have the tools they need to remain productive and resilient, while protecting our natural resources for future generations.”

Brown earned a Bachelor of Science in 2002, a Master of Science in 2006, and a PhD in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph in 2012.

About USask: The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is located in Saskatoon, Sask., on Treaty 6 territory and the traditional homeland of the Métis. Research, teaching and learning at USask are enhanced by its array of world-class centres and facilities. A range of excellent programs, from arts and science, business, law and public policy to engineering, agriculture, medicine and veterinary medicine, positions USask to bring unique perspectives to key global challenges. With more than 26,600 students from around the globe, including nearly 3,300 self-declared Indigenous students, our strong community and well-recognized experts will continue to drive USask to be the university the world needs.

About the Strategic Research Program: This program is delivered by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and is funded through the Sustainable CAP, a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada's agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. Programs under Sustainable CAP which are designed and delivered by provinces and territories are cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially.

For media inquiries, contact:

Brett Makulowich
Communications and Marketing Specialist
College of Agriculture and Bioresources
brett.makulowich@usask.ca

Ashley Trask
USask Media Relations
306-966-4522
ashley.trask@usask.ca