Project Grant 2541021

Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation's Division of Environmental Biology awarded the University of Florida $1.195M under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) beginning September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2031. This CAREER grant supports research investigating the anatomical and physiological mechanisms underlying leaf water storage dynamics and plant recovery from drought stress. The project delivers scientific knowledge addressing three primary objectives: isolating environmental effects on tissue-specific cellular and extracellular leaf water; evaluating relationships between anatomical features and wilting processes; and testing predicted thresholds for irreparable leaf damage. Methodologically, the research leverages histology, image analysis, laboratory and field experiments, phylogenetic mapping, and pressure-volume curve analysis—tools fundamental to plant physiology.

Beyond core research deliverables, the award generates applied products benefiting urban forestry management, particularly street tree care and drought resilience. The project also produces educational outputs through hands-on workforce preparation activities for students and public outreach events designed to deepen understanding of plant anatomy and physiology. By integrating dynamic biophysical properties into classical plant water relations frameworks, the research advances NSF's biotechnology priorities while addressing practical knowledge gaps in predicting and managing plant responses to dry conditions.