About me
As an Assistant Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah and leader of the Aparecido Lab, my research is focused on plant ecophysiology, ecosystem ecology, and global change on natural and urban systems. My work specifically examines how plants adapt and respond to critical environmental stressors, such as heat and drought. This expertise directly aligns with the mission of the Utah Native Plant Society (UNPS), which centers on the conservation, preservation, and responsible stewardship of native species in the Intermountain West. By investigating the physiological mechanisms that allow plants to withstand shifting climate conditions, her research provides vital scientific insights into how Utah's native and introduced flora will endure rising temperatures and hydrological stress, ultimately informing local conservation efforts, native species restoration, and regional biodiversity management.