Dr. Kathryn Vanderburg
Clinical Assistant Professor of Agriculture and Graduate Coordinator
Office: Happy State Bank Academic and Research Building, Room number coming soon...
Email: kvanderburg@wtamu.edu
Phone: 806-651-XXX
Professional Profile
Dr. Vanderburg joined the Department of Agricultural Sciences in 2021 as an adjunct professor and has now transitioned into her current role. Raised on a ranch in South Texas, she has her B.S. in Animal Science, M.S. in Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science from West Texas A&M University. She received her Ph.D. in Plant and Soil Science from Texas Tech University under Dr. Chuck West with the Texas Alliance for Water Conservations group. She is thrilled to be back to her alma mater.
Teaching and Related Service
Dr. Vanderburg’s teaching positions have focused on global agricultural systems, environmental health, soil science, and sustainable livestock management practices. She teaches multi-format (online & in-person) courses at West Texas A&M from Grain, Fiber, and Oilseed Crops, to Rangeland Ecology with her diverse students from around the world. She integrates faculty research from various disciplines, updated industry knowledge, and essential skill acquisition in her courses. This holistic approach aims to prepare and mold students into thoughtful citizens equipped to navigate their professional careers, create fulfilling lives, and positively impact agriculture and the world. She is a member of the United States Distance Learning Association, American Society of Agronomy, Society for Rangeland Management, and Soil Science Society of America. She is an accredited educator for online-format courses through the Association of College and University Educators and serves as an advisor for the graduate and Masters of Agriculture programs.
Research and Creative Activity
Dr. Vanderburg’s research encompasses collaborations with scientists across the United States, focusing on rangeland ecology, carbon sequestration, and water dynamics within sustainable agriculture systems. This research is conducted in both laboratory and field settings, exploring native rangelands and improved pasture ecosystems. Future research interests include advancing enteric methane studies related to carbon dynamics, with an emphasis on carbon sequestration and soil gas fluxes connected to soil microbial ecology in the semi-arid high plains. Dr. Vanderburg brings a fresh perspective to agriculture and the livestock industry, emphasizing animal health, enterprise diversification, profitability, and sustainability. She aims to establish field days and foster industry relationships in the area, providing opportunities to showcase the research conducted by faculty and graduate students.