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Russian Scientist Yury Chendev visits MU

Published March 2009
Story Source: Christine Tew

Chendev (left) and Goyne discussed research.

Goyne (left) and Chendev discussed research.

The soils and ecosystems of central-eastern Europe came to Missouri in January, during a visit from a Fulbright Scholar and Russian professor of geography. Yury Chendev, Ph.D., and his wife spent three days in Missouri, speaking with students and faculty, learning about some of Missouri's unique soil and geological features and touring the area.

"Dr. Chendev's specialty is the formation of soils, and human impacts on soil formation and properties," said Keith Goyne, an MU faculty member in the Soil, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences Department. That research relates directly to courses taught by other faculty members in SEAS, as well as studies being conducted by department graduate students.

Chendev and his wife enjoyed lunch at the Heidelberg with SEAS faculty (Miles pictured) and graduate students.

Chendev is a faculty member at Belgorod State University, in western Russia. The Fulbright program allowed him to travel to the U.S. to explore international collaboration and research opportunities.

A faculty member at Iowa State University contacted Randy Miles, a SEAS faculty member, regarding Chendev's Fulbright Scholarship at ISU and his interest in visiting other universities. Goyne then contacted Chendev and made arrangements for him to visit MU.

As a result of that connection, Chendev, Miles and Goyne were able to discuss future research collaborations and soils topics, Goyne said. Chendev also had an opportunity to see how Missouri uses Web-based computer applications to collect soils information from scientists and serve this information to the public.

Chendev lectured for graduate students.

While at MU, Chendev guest lectured in an advanced course on soil formation and gave a departmental seminar titled, "Historical Aspects of Nature and Society Interactions: An Example of Forest-Steppe and Steppe Zones in Central Eastern Europe."

During the lecture, Chendev related major historical events to the preservation of native steppe ecosystems, Goyne said. Research on soil organic matter showed that the steppes were better preserved because farmers were wary of planting crops near the raiding routes into Russia followed by the Tartars.

The seminar attracted more than 35 students, faculty and professionals representing both SEAS and the ARS. He also discussed his recent publication on geosystem degradation in his home area of Belgorod.

SEAS faculty members and graduate students were further able to discuss future opportunities with Chendev during lunch at the Heidelburg restaurant in downtown Columbia.

Chendev has been involved with soil science research since 1988. He previously held faculty appointments with the Belgorod State Pedagogical Institute and the Belgorod State Pedagogical University.