Professor

School of Integrative Plant Science and Department of Microbiology 

Daniel Buckley is a Professor in the School of Integrative Plant Sciences with a joint appointment in the Department of Microbiology. Dan is a microbial ecologist whose research investigates plant and soil microbiomes. He earned his B.S. in Microbiology at the University of Rochester and his Ph.D. in Microbiology at Michigan State University, before taking a faculty position at Cornell in 2003. Much of his research leverages the use of stable isotopes, genome sequencing, and microbial data science to probe the metabolic functions of soil microbes in natural and agricultural ecosystems. For his lifelong achievements in Microbiology he was inducted into the Academy of Microbiology in 2021. Dan has taught both introductory and advanced courses in microbiology, microbial diversity, and microbial genomics, and he received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2023. He has served on diverse committees at the School, College, and University levels, including the CALS Task Force for revising the Undergraduate Biology Curriculum (2007-2008), the CALS Strategic Advisory Committee (2009-2013), the School of Integrative Plant Sciences Executive Committee (2014-2017, 2024-), and the University Appeals Panel, among others. He has served four terms as a Director of Graduate Studies, three for Soil and Crop Sciences (2008-2017), and one for the MPS program in Integrative Plant Science (2021-2024), and since 2024 has served as Section Head for Soil and Crop Sciences. He has served four terms as a Faculty Senator, including three representing Soil and Crop Sciences, and he is currently serving as Senator for the Department of Microbiology.

Candidate Statement: 

The idea of the University is built upon scholarship and service, but its heart is driven by a diverse community of scholars united by shared ideals. At Cornell these ideals are openness – any person, and curiosity – any study. Cornell is a place of many voices. We argue, and we disagree, because scholarship demands it. However, world events are overtaking our scholarly debates and we find ourselves in a turbulent time when our ideals are under threat. Recent events have been overwhelming for us all. How we meet this challenging time depends upon our ability to unite and defend our shared ideals. The UFC is where the Faculty Senate engages most directly with our Administration, working together to find solutions for our community. I believe in the principles of shared governance, and I believe that we are at our best when we collaborate to find shared solutions. I have enjoyed tremendously being part of the Cornell community these past decades, and I would be honored to serve on its behalf to find the solutions we need now.