Professor Terry has been active in the field of phytoremediation research since 1989.  The Terry Lab is unique in that it is the only university laboratory in which phytoremediation is studied from the molecular to the field level.  Its research, which is both fundamental and applied, includes molecular biology, microbiology, plant-microbe interactions, plant physiology and biochemistry, analytical chemistry, as well as physiological and field ecology.

The Terry Lab:

• Pioneered the use constructed wetlands for the removal of the toxic metalloid, selenium (Se), from agricultural irrigation drainage water.
  
• Was the first to develop transgenic plants to successfully carry out phytoremediation in the field, thereby establishing "proof-of-concept" for the idea of genetically engineering plants for superior phytoremediation. 
• Successfully introduced key genes for phytoremediation from a slow-growing, plant hyperaccumulator(Astragalus bisulcatus) into a fast-growing, high biomass species such as Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). 
• Was the first to show that rhizosphere microbes play a critical role in the uptake of heavy metals (Zn) by plant hyperaccumulators (Thlaspi caerulescens).

A major focus of the laboratory has been on the cleanup of the highly toxic trace element Se, a pollutant which is found in soils and waters worldwide.  Selenium pollution may arise from natural sources such as agricultural soils formed from Se-bearing rocks (e.g., the west side of the San Joaquin Valley in California), as well as from anthropogenic sources (industrial processes, power plants, etc.). In addition to Se, a considerable amount of research has been dedicated to finding ways of better remediating toxic heavy metals including cadmium and mercury.