Plants need nutrients and microbes help them access them creating a mutually beneficial relationship McDonald explained. By studying these interactions he hopes to improve crop production ease the burden on plants and reduce fertilizer costs. Recently appointed as an assistant professor in the Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Arkansas McDonald will conduct research and teach as part of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences with the goal of sharing insights with farmers on how biology can influence plant growth.

As an undergraduate at the University of Tennessee McDonald initially planned on medical school gaining early research experience in an aquatic microbiology lab and spending a summer on a research farm. The hands-on work in the field sparked his interest in agricultural science and during a Medical College Admission Test prep course a simple question Why do you want to be a doctor?  prompted him to reflect on his true passions. That realization steered him away from medicine and toward agriculture ultimately leading to a master’s degree in plant and soil science from Texas Tech University and a Ph.D. in soil science with a focus on soil microbiology from Texas A&M University.

Recalling the mentors who shaped his own path McDonald said he feels a responsibility to extend the same support to others particularly students who may not have equal opportunities to pursue research or graduate studies. He emphasized the importance of accessible experiences pointing to a National Science Foundation–funded 10-week summer program he learned about as a postdoctoral scholar at Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago. The program brings students from across the country to New Hampshire for training before sending them to Sweden for research, offering valuable skills, connections, and the chance to present their work at scientific meetings.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture works to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by delivering trusted research and promoting best practices through its Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service both part of the nation’s historic land-grant system. As one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System the Division operates offices in all 75 counties and has faculty across three campuses. In accordance with 7 CFR § 15.3, it provides all programs, services, and employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status affirming its commitment as an equal opportunity institution.

Source: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2025/august/08-18-2025-ark-mark-mcdonald-new-faculty-story.aspx