Work with thought leaders and academic experts from University of Maine

# MY RESEARCH INTERESTS I am interested in biogeochemical cycling within marine sediments and the overlying water column, marine botany, and marine microbiology. For my doctoral dissertation, I studied the balance between competing nitrate reduction processes (denitrification, dnra, and anammox) in anoxic marine sediments using sediment thin disc experiments. As part of this work, I used molecular techniques to examine how microbial communities changed after the experiments and differed between treatments. In addition to this experimental work, I studied the microbial community composition of sediments along an estuarine gradient in the Damariscotta River Estuary during different seasons. For my master’s thesis, I studied the biogeochemistry and microbial communities associated with nitrogen fixation in seagrass beds. My thesis focused on the temporal changes of biological nitrogen fixation in the rhizospheres of *Thalassia testudinum*  and *Halodule wrightii* in Santa Rosa Sound, northwest Florida. My study included the assessment of nitrogenase activity, nutrient availability, and microbial assemblage using the *nifH* gene.  # MY PASSION I love the natural sciences, especially biology. Learning the various mechanisms and processes by which the natural world functions fascinates me. I love asking questions, and I believe that it facilitates the growth of my knowledge. During my childhood, my family and I would often travel to the Texas coast and visit aquariums. Even from a young age, I have always marveled at the wonder and beauty of the sea. Learning and discovering more about the ocean increases my interest and passion for marine science.  # MY BACKGROUND I was born and grew up in a rural area of northwest Texas. Until I left to attend the University of Texas at Austin to obtain my undergraduate degree, I lived on our family farm that my great-great-grandparents established after migrating to America from Switzerland. As a child, I was exposed to the wide open spaces of the Texas prairie. I have always loved the outdoors and nature. I attribute my adoration for the natural world to my upbringing in such a desolate and rugged place. Growing up, I learned how to ride horses and raise cattle. Without the conveniences of an urban locale, I obtained experience in building barns and homes and working on automobiles, amongst other necessary skills for life on the plains. I am not afraid to get my hands dirty nor work hard.

Daniel Puhlman is an Assistant Professor of Family Studies at The University of Maine. He received his PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy in Child Development and Family Relations from Florida State University in 2013. Dr. Puhlman's research interests include parental divorce/separation, father-child relationships, and child and adolescent development.

Behavior scientist and thought leader with extensive background in innovative research, grant writing and project management among cross-functional global teams. Subject matter expert in the field of healthcare worker well-being with strategic multi-systems approach. Strong written and oral communication skills; enthusiasm for relationship building across diverse partnerships. Passion for team collaboration to drive social impact in the space of health inequities and disparities.