Alexandria Ostman receives grants
Alexandria Ostman |
Alexandria Ostman, a pre-veterinary science major and vice-president of the BAHS club, has received two grants, a BU Professional Experience Research grant and a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists Undergraduate Research Grant. Allie is conducting research with her mentor Dr. Kevin Williams. The aims of her research are 1) to determine how hydraulic conductance is
increased following clipping in a variety of plant species; 2) to determine if changes in hydraulic resistance influence the photosynthetic physiology
of the leaf in a manner similar to conventional water stress; and 3) to compare the responses of plant species with different mechanisms of cicatrix
formation and/or tolerance to herbivory. Poinsettias excrete a latex sap that may quickly clog damaged leaf tips and
prevent water loss. Poinsettia responses to clipping will be compared to
sunflowers that lack that ability.