ANDREW SWANSON, PHD
Assistant Professor of Biology
Research Interests
As an ecophysiologist, with interests in global climate change, I am exploring adaptive mechanisms and population responses of cryptogams to abiotic stress. Cryptogams or non-vascular plants are a fascinating phenetic "group" of unrelated, though ancient plant-like organisms. Remarkably complex life histories involving spores, as well as a capacity to endure the most challenging and hostile of environments (extremophiles) are notable characteristics. Algae, lichen and moss, well represented in nearly all terrestrial and aquatic habitats, are incredibly abundant (biomass) within taiga, tundra, temperate coastal rainforest and coastal biomes. Often the dominant "vegetation" within these globally extensive biomes, cryptogam species function as the primary source of fixed carbon, forming the foundation of intrinsic food-webs for well over half of the globe. Although cause(s) are debated, observed changes and future predicted climate trends warn of accelerating, and possibly abrupt shifts in climatic zones, perhaps at rates 5-10 times faster than experienced ever before. This is especially acute in the higher latitudes where cryptogam species are dominant and fundamental to ecological structure and function. Certainly vegetation communities and reliant species, attempting to keep pace to these changes are being challenged. However, whether this will seriously influence the ecological integrity of these communities remains to be demonstrated.
My research interests broadly focus on the potential for adaptation and tolerance of cryptogam species to predicted climatic changes (i.e. temperature, ppt, CO2, O3, UV), as well as the ability to migrate/disperse with shifting climatic zones and micro-environments. By understanding the direct impacts (growth, metabolism, reproduction) and indirect trophic repercussions (nutrition, allelopathy, succession) of climatic change on these key organisms, I seek to predict potential responses of these communities as a whole to predicted environmental change. Past and continuing research involves a comprehensive multi-species (Phaeophyceae, Ascomycota) assessment of ultraviolet light's primary and secondary influences on cryptogam populations and communities. Since basic understanding of cryptogam (phycology, mycology, bryology) and eukaryotic extremophile biology remains largely incomplete, this area is also of considerable interest. Research in this lab possesses a strong field and evolutionary ecology component, paired with controlled physiological studies, and or laboratory analysis of compounds (TLC, HPLC, GC-MS) and genes (isolation, sequencing, bioinformatics, heterologous expression). Opportunities exist for cryptogamic research in several pristine field locations including intertidal or epiphytic communities of west coast Vancouver Island, taiga/bog communities of northern Canada, or old-growth temperate forests/wetlands of northeastern Ohio (Squire Valleevue Farm).
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