Plant ecology and climate change research
Annelise writes: “I am a fourth-year Environmental Science student with a minor in biology currently working on my honours thesis. I’ve always been interested in native plants and the environment, and I plan to pursue a career in conservation and ecology. Acadia’s Environmental Science program has been an excellent fit for me, and the Honours program has allowed me to work on a project I’m passionate about.
My project is investigating how changing winter conditions are affecting germination in species native to the Wapna’ki Forest Region. The seeds of many species native to the Wapna’ki Forest Region are adapted to only germinate after a certain period of cold, damp conditions has passed to ensure seeds don’t start growing before winter is over. As winter temperatures become warmer and less predictable, these seeds may not be getting the conditions they are adapted to and may not grow properly. Running simulated germination trials will allow for better understanding of how native species will be affected by climate change.”
Anneliese in the lab with germinating seeds... Best of luck little plants!