With support from the Environmental Chemical Sciences (ECS) program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Vera Samburova at the Nevada System of Higher Education, Desert Research Institute, will investigate the chemistry of soil organic compounds that contribute to the formation of fire-induced soil water repellency. Wildfires are known to cause the formation of water-repellent soil layers, primarily due to the presence of hydrophobic organic compounds. These water-repellent layers alter post-fire hydrological processes, reduce water infiltration and thus increase the risk of flooding, landslides, and debris flows. Despite recognition of these effects, the specific chemistry of the organic compounds responsible for fire-induced soil water repellency remains poorly understood. The proposed study aims to address this critical knowledge gap by identifying the organic compounds that contribute to soil water repellency in post-fire environments. The experiments and resulting data will offer insights into the chemistry of soils affected by wildfires, help improve post-fire soil assessments, and support efforts to reduce hydrological consequences of soil water repellency. This research project will help train the next generation of graduate students, providing them with expertise in environmental chemical sciences and it will also help to predict and mitigate fire impacts on communities and the environment in the Unites States. This project will explore how water-repellent soi