Justin Richardson

Justin Richardson serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia, where he studies soil biogeochemistry and trace metal cycling. He earned his PhD in Earth Science from Dartmouth College (2015) and BS in Environmental Science from UC Riverside (2010). His research examines how metals and metalloids move between nonliving materials, soils, and living systems, with particular focus on forests and watersheds across the northeastern United States. He has published over 50 studies, received nearly $1 million in federal research grants, and served on panels for USDA, EPA, and NSF. Before joining UVA in 2023, he was Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His work applies advanced analytical techniques including x-ray, light, and mass-based instruments to measure nutrient and toxic metals in environmental systems. Beyond academia, he enjoys outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, and skiing in Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as playing classical piano.