Biography
Andy is a plant ecologist with a core focus on the effects of thermal extremes, especially in extreme environments, where temperature and water stress shape plant distribution and survival. Andy uses ecophysiological approaches to understand plant responses to thermal stress, under both common garden and natural field conditions. She also explores structure-function relationships, particularly regarding leaf thermodynamics. Advances pioneered along with collaborators include development of more nuanced assays of heat sensitivity in plant photosystems beyond single point thresholds. The thermal load sensitivity approach accounts for the effects of cumulative heat load, allows more accurate predictions of plant responses to realistic temperature profiles in nature. This conceptual advance also facilitates deeper exploration of cross-tolerance and acclimation to thermal stress. Andy is privileged to be conducting research in partnership with First Nations peoples in Australia, most recently with Anangu, Traditional Custodians of Uluru-Kata Tjuta, in Australia’s central desert region. By bringing western science approaches together with Indigenous Knowledges, we are learning what drives the thermal limits of desert species of cultural and ecological importance and how these plants will respond under future extremes.
