UTEP Awarded $551K Grant to Research Effects of Solar-Induced Fluorescence to Monitor Arctic Vegetation

The University of Texas at El Paso Department of Biological Sciences was awarded a $551,000 grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration through the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Biological Sciences to research the relationship between solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) and vegetation photosynthetic capacity. Findings could aid scientists in predicting the future response of arctic vegetation to climate change.

Leading the study is Craig Tweedie, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences and director of UTEP’s environmental science and engineering program. Tweedie’s lab focuses on evaluating and monitoring ecosystem changes in the Arctic. This research project will examine if and how SIF can be used to monitor the photosynthesis of Arctic vegetation from aircraft and satellite-based sampling platforms. SIF is produced at specific wavelengths of light when plants photosynthesize has proven to be one of the best methods for determining plant health, growth and yield in croplands and some other ecosystems.

To read more about Dr. Tweedie’s adventures click on learn more button.