NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biology FY 2013

利用光谱技术研究气候胁迫对根系化学的影响植物根系贡献了陆地生态系统中大部分的固碳。这种被隔离的碳的稳定性由凋落物基质的整体分子特性决定。预计到本世纪之交，温度的升高和频繁的干旱可能会对植物造成严重的水分胁迫，改变植物的代谢途径，导致根部独特的代谢产物谱和生物聚合物化学。根生物聚合物的结构化学和组成（质量）的这种前所未有的变化将进一步改变它们的微生物共生协会。根系生物聚合物化学和微生物群落的变化反过来又会改变土壤中根系碳的稳定性和周转。先进的光谱技术和化学计量学分析是很有前途的工具，捕捉气候胁迫引起的根系化学的定性变化，并进一步帮助预测根凋落物分解在未来气候下。培训目标包括熟练掌握先进的光谱和质谱分析和计算技术。该项目将物理科学技术与生物学相结合，以开发跨学科的研究计划。该研究员将通过拟议的研究积极招募和指导高中和本科生。此外，该研究员将在国家和国际会议上发表客座演讲和介绍研究成果，并通过在同行评审的期刊上发表文章和通过科普杂志向非科学界传播研究成果。

Investigating the impact of climatic stress on root chemistry using spectroscopic techniquesPlant roots contribute a majority of the carbon sequestered in terrestrial ecosystems. The stability of this sequestered carbon is governed by the overall molecular identity of the litter matrix. Projected increases in temperature and frequent droughts by the turn of this century may impose severe moisture stress in plants, altering the plant metabolic pathways resulting in unique metabolite profiles and biopolymer chemistry of the roots. This unprecedented change in the structural chemistry and composition (quality) of root biopolymers would further alter their microbial symbiotic associations. The change in root biopolymer chemistry and microbial associations would, in turn, alter the stability and turnover of root carbon in soil. Advanced spectroscopic techniques and chemometric analyses are promising tools to capture the climatic stress induced qualitative changes in root chemistry and further help to predict root litter decomposition under future climates.Training objectives include attaining proficiency in advanced spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analyses and computational techniques. The project integrates physical science techniques with biology to develop an interdisciplinary research program. The fellow will actively recruit and mentor high school and undergraduate students through the proposed research. Additionally, the fellow will give guest lectures and present research in national and international conferences and disseminate findings of the research through publications in peer-reviewed journals and to the non-scientific community through popular science magazines.