Ellen Graber Ph.D.
Senior Scientist
- Institute of Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences
- Soil Chemistry, Plant Nutrition and Microbiology
- Room 322, Institute of Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences
- +972-506220307
- +972-39683307
Biography
Despite growing up in a town called Farmingdale, agriculture as a profession wasn’t initially on my radar. Even at Cornell University (Ithaca, New York), a powerhouse in agricultural sciences, I initially chose a liberal arts path. However, courses in geology and chemistry ignited a passion for science, which led me to a second degree in Geology at the University of Texas at Austin. This was followed by a Ph.D. in Geology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with a focus on carbonate sedimentology, diagenesis and isotope geochemistry.
Deciding that I wanted to use science to investigate and help solve real-world problems, I pursued a post-doctoral fellowship in oxygen and carbon isotope geochemistry of a stacked aquifer system at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with Prof. Paul Aharon. From there I joined the US Environmental Protection Agency, first in Dallas, TX and then later in the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center in Ada, OK, where I honed my focus on environmental science, specifically, soil and groundwater contamination by industrial organic chemicals.
An unexpected twist brought me to the Volcani Institute, Rishon Letzion, Israel, a global leader in agricultural research. Here, I embarked on a long and fulfilling career as a scientist, applying my diverse background to agricultural and environmental sustainability. Today, I delve into the complex interactions between soil, plants and water, seeking solutions that benefit both agriculture and the environment.
Most recently, my love for chocolate (and science!) led me to spearhead the “Cocoa Cure Center” initiative. This ambitious project aims to develop practical, accessible solutions for cacao farmers worldwide. Our vision? Climate-resilient, pest-resistant, and sustainable cocoa with superior economic and health benefits.
In my spare time, I play bass guitar in a rock & roll band.
Education
-
Post-Doctorate, Groundwater Geochemistry
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. Subject: Inorganic carbon (DIC), d13C(DIC) and d18O(H2O) chemistry of different waters, with Prof. Paul Aharon
-
Ph.D., Geology
The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, MI. Subject: Sedimentology, Diagenesis, and Secular delta13C Variations in the Upper Horquilla Limestone (Penn/Perm) of New Mexico. With Profs. Kyger C. Lohmann and James L. Wilson
-
M.Sc., Geology
The University of Texas at Austin, TX. Subject: Diagenesis of Eocene Gulf Coast Carbonates: Paradoxes in the Feculent Weches. With Prof. Robert L. Folk
-
B.A., History
Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.
Research Interests
My research group works on subjects at the interface of agriculture and environmental sustainability. We strive to develop basic mechanistic understandings of diverse phenomena as well as to offer practical and innovative solutions across a range of subjects. Our work encompasses several key areas:
- Crop optimization: We develop strategies to increase cocoa yield through fertilization, irrigation, breeding and other management techniques.
- Resource recovery: We explore methods to transform agricultural and food wastes into valuable products, such as plant growth stimulators and biochar.
- Soil health: We study the mechanisms by which biochar improves soil quality and plant health.
- Environmental protection: We develop unique means of exploring and characterizing the factors that influence soil and water contamination, and soil water repellency.
Growing the next generation of scientists is important to me. I endeavor to teach, support and promote advanced degree students, post-doctoral fellows and early career scientists.
Interested in joining our team? I’m always open to hearing from potential advanced degree students and post-docs. Please send me a mail so we can explore possibilities.