Course Instructor

Desiree Jans, Ph.D.

Desiree Jans' research interests have focused on carbon and nitrogen cycling in agro-ecosystems. Following an undergraduate degree in Plant Sciences (UBC), and some time as a Soil Conservation Agrologist in Alberta, she completed her PhD in Soil Biology and Biochemistry (U of Alberta) in 1995.

Desiree's research explored plant residue decomposition in soil, specifically the interactions among substrates, microorganisms and the soil environment. She has spent considerable time studying legumes; from their role as green manures to developing commercial inoculant formulations of Rhizobium.

More recently, Desiree managed Saskatchewan's agricultural funding programs in the areas of soil, organic and horticulture research. She was also involved in the development of Saskatchewan's applied research and extension program.

Now living in Nova Scotia, Desiree has become involved with the OACC as an instructor of their web-based courses, Transition to Organic Agriculture and Organic Field Crop Management. This has been a great experience, with students from across Canada and beyond.

Desiree enjoys sharing her interest in ecology and looks forward to further exploring and promoting the principles of organic agriculture.