Jennifer DeBruyn

Jennifer DeBruyn

Professor of Environmental Microbiology, University of Tennessee

Jennifer DeBruyn is an environmental microbiologist at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. She studies the decomposition of human and animal mortalities and contaminant biodegradation. She co-directs “Backyard STEM”, a curriculum program for Tennessee 4-H agents focused on environmental-science education for youth.

Articles by: Jennifer DeBruyn

A lone stone grave surrounded by wild summer flowers meadow with a stone wall in the background.

After you die, your microbiome cooperates with soil microbes to 'recycle' your body

By Jennifer DeBruyn published

After you die, bacteria harvest your body for the nutrients that help push daisies.

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