We investigate how plants respond to environmental gradients and how these responses shape ecosystem functioning. Our research spans individuals, species, communities, and ecosystems across diverse environments, from tropical and temperate forests to the Arctic tundra.
Plant Responses to Global Change
How do global changes such as drought and warming influence plant functional traits?
Seasonal water use strategies & their trade-offs with Carbon Gain
Lead: PhD student Aylin Barreras
This project examines how subalpine conifers differ in seasonal water use and the trade-offs with carbon gain. By linking plant water status with physiological function along the growing season, we seek to better understand how trees respond to drought and changing environmental conditions.
Temporal changes in functional traits in subalpine Forests
Lead: PhD student Aylin Barreras
We investigate long-term changes in the functional composition of subalpine conifer communities. By comparing wood density and specific leaf area measured in 2012 and 2025, we assess how community trait composition has shifted over more than a decade of changing climatic conditions.
