Visiting Researcher Seminar: Dr Ilaine Matos

Dr Ilaíne Matos

University of California Berkeley

Leaf venation network architecture coordinates functional trade-offs across vein spatial scales: evidence for multiple alternative designs

Time: 12:00 PM, Friday 24th November

Location: McLeod Lecture Theatre or Online via Zoom

Register for Zoom: https://adelaide.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RAH_kWlGR16sXdl3IXTlyg

Abstract

To investigate how properties of the 3-dimensional venation network influences multiple leaf functions, we measured three key leaf venation architecture traits (vein density, degree of loopiness, and shape of loops) and 13 functional traits (including hydraulic, mechanical, economic, anatomical, and physiological traits) on a phylogenetically diverse set of 122 ferns and angiosperms species. Our findings can be used to (1) improve mechanistic models of leaf functioning, and (2) develop bio-inspired solutions for common challenges faced by different types of transportation networks (e.g. railways, air routes, pipelines, power lines, etc.).

About the speaker

Ilaine is a plant eco-physiologist with research interests in plant hydraulics, plant anatomy, community ecology, and global change biology. She has a PhD in Ecology and Evolution (State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and has been a postdoc at the University of California at Berkeley since 2019. By combining observational and experimental fieldwork, greenhouse and laboratory experiments, functional trait assessment, and process-based modelling, her research advances the science of how plant communities are responding to increasing aridity. She is committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative, and nurturing environment in every dimension of my work, and to guide students along the challenging scientific path.