Zach Smith

Bio

I'm a plant ecophysiologist beginning a PhD at the Southern Swedish Forest Research Center, where I study how fertilization shapes tree physiology and drought tolerance. My research so far has moved from cycad functional anatomy and physiology to a year-long study of photosynthetic efficiency and photoprotective chemistry in lichens.

My previous and current work all circle the same question from different angles: how do botanical organisms manage stress, and what will their resilience look like in the future?

In my current project, I am excited to work on Norway Spruce, and understand the mechanisms by which human interventions may impact their resilience in the face of climate change. If this sort of question intrigues you, please reach out to discuss collaboration.