Past Students

1. Julie Styles
2. Jeremy Freeman
3. Sally Box
4. Janet Lake

Julie Styles

PhD Abstract

Isotopic exchange and CO2 fluxes at canopy and regional scales inferred from profiles of concentration and isotopic composition of atmospheric CO2: linking physiological and micrometeorological approaches

Jeremy Freeman

MSc

Vegetation regeneration following de-stocking

Sally Box

The effect of elevated CO2 and root warming on soybean growth and symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

Supervisor: Dr John Evans

The effect of elevated atmospheric CO2 on nitrogen-fixing legumes will have important consequences for both a) crop yield and ecosystem carbon stocks and b) nitrogen inputs into native and agricultural systems.

The aim of my PhD project is to examine the effects of elevated CO2 on growth and nitrogen fixation in a model legume, soybean. By using elevated CO2 to manipulate photosynthesis, combined with a root warming treatment to manipulate the rate of N fixation, I have been able to examine the interaction between C and N acquisition in soybeans, using several techniques. These techniques include growth analysis, gas exchange (photosynthesis, whole plant respiration, 15N2 fixation) and a simple mathematical growth model.

As a member of the CRC for Greenhouse Accounting, I have had the opportunity to interact with many other scientists who have expertise in global change research, relevant to my own project. In addition, my participation in the CRC has exposed me to a range of terrestrial carbon science and has enabled me to develop an appreciation for the scientific and political factors that influence international negotiations addressing climate change mitigation. The student grant I received from the CRC allowed me to attend the American Society of Plant Biologists' meeting in Denver, Colorado in 2002. This was a great opportunity to present my research at an international conference, to meet colleagues with similar research interests, and to scope out employment opportunities post-PhD.

Janet Lake

Effects of global climate change on Australian native vegetation