Recognizing Plant Physiology authors: Thorsten Knipfer
Thorsten Knipfer, first author of Predicting stomatal closure and turgor loss in woody plants using predawn and midday water potential
Current Position: Assistant Project Scientist at UC Davis (starting Sept 1st 2020, Assistant Professor at University of British Columbia, Vancouver)
Education: PhD, University College Dublin, Ireland
Non-scientific Interests: cycling, guitar
Brief bio: I am a plant physiologist, and my research focuses on water relations, xylem function and the sequence of drought-induced physiological events. I obtained my Diploma in 2007 at the University of Bayreuth, Germany, where I investigated root hydraulic properties of corn using pressure probe methodology. In 20011, I completed my PhD at the University College Dublin elucidating the link between aquaporin activity and root water uptake in barley. Following my PhD, I started my Postdoc at UC Davis, USA, continuing my interest in cellular water relations. Over the years, I provided new insights into the impact of drought stress on xylem transport function in-vivo using X-ray computed tomography. In my current position as Assistant Project Scientist, my research focuses on understanding the spatiotemporal coupling of xylem function & water storage and physiological phenotyping of woody perennial crops for improved drought resistance. Based on knowledge about physiological performance, my future goal is to identify methods that will help in making crop production more sustainable through water savings.
