ATLS: Assessing Thermal Load Sensitivity in Australian Plants

These projects will suit students with interest and knowledge in global change biology, ecological modelling, ecophysiology, and reproductive biology.

Overview: Temperature is a major determinant of the distribution of species and yet the capacity to predict the thermal sensitivity of plants is extremely limited. This project aims to advance understanding of how heat tolerance varies across Australian native plants, over the life cycle, and how it scales to lifetime vulnerability to environmental stress in the context of extreme events and climate change. 

Project descriptions: Students will work as part of a collaborative team that aims to determine the sensitivity of a range of life stages for diverse Australian plants to the combined effects of intensity and duration of thermal stress.

Prof Adrienne Nicotra (ANU), in collaboration with A/Prof Danielle Way (ANU), A/Prof Andy Leigh (University of Technology Sydney), A/Prof Daniel Falster(UNSW), A/Prof Enrico Rezende (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile), Dr Lydia Guja (Australian National Botanic Gardens), and Dr Pieter Arnold (ANU), are seeking enthusiastic students interested in studying plant ecology and ecological modelling in a global change biology context.

Potential project topics include: 1) Explaining variation in thermal load sensitivity across plant species from a range of ecoregions and growth forms and exploring differences in sensitivity across life stages (e.g. seeds, seedlings, adult leaves, gametes). 2) The role of phenotypic plasticity in modifying responses to heat stress, including effects of priming and water availability sensitivity. 3) Understanding and modelling the processes of accumulated damage and repair to function and survival probability under dynamic environmental conditions. 4) Applying demographic ecological modelling to integrate trait-based and life-stage differences in thermal sensitivity to estimate lifetime fitness and population changes over time.

Eligibility: Suitable applicants need to be highly motivated with strong academic and research backgrounds; skills in ecophysiology, plant reproductive biology, or ecological modelling are required. Demonstrated ability to conduct fieldwork or laboratory work and independent research experience are highly desirable. Interested students must apply for admission and scholarship online at ANU. Successful applicants will receive scholarship stipend, tuition fee waiver, and research funds including computer and travel grants.

Location: We are based in the Division of Ecology & Evolution in the Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. The facilities and intellectual environment are outstanding, and the Nicotra group is a diverse, friendly, supportive, and enthusiastic group to be a part of. We strive to do excellent, fundamental research that is relevant in the context of rapid global change. Canberra is a great place to live and offers a balance of community and outdoor activities, amazing bushland and surrounds, connections to the mountains and beaches, while having the conveniences and amenities of a larger city.