Dr. Veronica Acosta-Martinez

Co-founder & Principal, Caprock Strategies

Dr. Veronica Acosta-Martinez is originally from Puerto Rico and obtained her BS degree in Biology (majoring in Industrial Microbiology) at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. She obtained her MS degree in Soil Science with specialty in Soil Microbiology from Purdue University in 1997, and then completed her PhD at Iowa State University in 2000. Shortly after that, she joined the USDA-ARS, Cropping Systems Research Laboratory, in Lubbock TX. Her research is focused on obtaining a better understanding of the soil microbial component as affected by the complex interactions of management practices and climate extremes. She evaluates soil microorganisms as indicators of soil health and functions related to nutrient cycling, organic matter dynamics and productivity in semi-arid climates. She leads the ARS-Soil Biology Group comprised of 40 ARS scientists located across the nation. This group provides information on specific organisms - and processes they govern - to select sustainable agricultural practices across the nation. She also works with several collaborators from different institutions within the Ogallala aquifer region to address issues of water decline and long-​term agricultural sustainability unique to this region. She is Associate Editor of different scientific journals related to soil ecology. She also holds adjunct faculty positions at Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Alabama A&M University, and University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus. She has mentored numerous students and scientists from different countries to conduct soil microbial ecology research critical to sustaining agricultural productivity. When she is not digging in the soil, she enjoys spending her free time with her kids and traveling to Puerto Rico to visit her parents and relatives and enjoy the beach. She likes to travel, cook Puerto Rican food, watch movies and host friends in her home.