Mark A. Mesarch
Howdy, I’m Mark Mesarch a research/outreach specialist and webmaster for the School of Natural Resources.
I’ve worked for the university since 1989 in mostly the agricultural meteorology research area, as well as, earth science education, atmospheric deposition measurements, database management/design and website management/design.
The major aspect of the agricultural meteorology research includes canopy reflectance, bidirectional reflectance and leaf optical properties. These are all related to remote sensing measurements. Our research sites have included areas close to my office on East Campus to the ARDC research site near Ithaca, NE to the Konza Prairie near Manhattan, KS to northern Oklahoma to north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada to Kursk, Russia. Leaf optical refers to how light interacts with leaves and other plant parts. Light can either be reflected, transmitted or absorbed. The amount of light that is absorbed relates to the plants ability to photosynthesis. We cannot measure how much light is absorbed so we measure the amount that is reflected and transmitted; then we can calculate the amount that is absorbed. Our leaf optical measurements have ranged from corn and soybean leaves to pine needles. Our current research is part of the Carbon Sequestration Program (CSP) which looks at using typical farm management practices as a way of increasing carbon stored in the plants and soil. These "sinks" of carbon may help reduce global warming caused by the greenhouse effect.
I also am the site supervisor for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) that monitors precipitation chemistry. Most people are familiar with the term "acid rain." Our NADP site is one of over 250 sites across the US that collects weekly precipitation samples every Tuesday morning.
I enjoy working for the School because I have been allowed to use my talents and move in different directions as my learning and research continues.
Outside of my job at the university, I am an avid bicycler. In 2005, I completed my 10th trip of the Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska (BRAN) since 1984. I am also an avid supporter of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Women's Volleyball Team. I am a guest lighting designer at the Lincoln Community Playhouse and occasional "walk the boards" as an actor, too. I will be playing Old Deuteronomy in the production of "CATS" at Pinewood Bowl in the summer of 2006. I sing with the Lincoln Civic Choir.
I grew up in northwestern Pennsylvania. I graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in meteorology in 1983 (Yes! that is Penn State and I still have "blue blood.") I received a M.S. in Agronomy from here at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1985.
Personnel Information
| Name | Mark A. Mesarch |
| University Title | Web-Database Specialist |
| Address | 229D Hardin Hall, SW, Lincoln NE 68583-0982 |
| Phone | 402-472-5904 |
| Fax | 402-472-4608 |
| mmesarch1@unl.edu or Lotus Notes | |
| Related Websites | http://snr.unl.edu/mesarch/ http://drought.unl.edu http://micrometeorology.unl.edu/et/ |
Go to Mark's Full Profile
Key Publications
- Mesarch, Mark A., Steve J. Meyer and David C. Gosselin (2000, September) A flexible K-12 weather data collection and education program. Electronic Journal of Science Education [Online serial] 5(1) Available http://unr.edu/homepage/jcannon/ejse/ejse.html
- Mesarch, M.A., E.A. Walter-Shea, G.P. Asner, E.M. Middleton, and S.S. Chen. 1999. A revised measurement methodology for conifer needles spectral optical properties evaluating the influence of gaps between elements. Remote Sensing of Environment. 68:177-192.
- Blad B.L., E.A. Walter-Shea, M.A. Mesarch, C.J. Hays, P.J. Starks, D.W. Deering and T.F. Eck. 1998. Estimating Net Radiation with Remotely Sensed Data: Resultsfrom KUREX-91 and FIFE Studies. Remote Sensing Reviews. 17:55-71.
- Mesarch M.A., E.A. Walter-Shea, B.L. Blad, C.J. Hays and E.M. Middleton. 1998. Comparing Biophysical Properties of the Streletskaya Steppe Reserve and the Konza Prairie. Remote Sensing Reviews. 17:37-53.
- Starks, P.J., B.L. Blad, E.A. Walter-Shea, C.J. Hays, and M.A. Mesarch. 1998. Estimating emitted longwave components of the radiation balance in the KUREX-91 and FIFE studies. Remote Sensing Reviews. 17:73-87.
- Walter-Shea E.A., B.L. Blad, M.A. Mesarch, C.J. Hays, D.W. Deering, and T.F. Eck. 1998. Absorbed Photosyntheticdally Active Radiation and Sun-View Geometry Effects on Remote Sensing Relationships. Remote Sensing Reviews. 17:89-102.
