The 2024 Spring Seminar Series will feature Monika Rawat, postdoctoral researcher at the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University. Dr. Rawat will give a presentation titled “An introduction to plant functional traits in the temperate forest of the Himalayas” on Wednesday, Feb 21, at 11 a.m. in Room 2217 of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Building located at 602 Duncan Drive, Auburn, AL.  

Dr. Rawat is hosted by Dr. Heather Alexander, Associate Professor in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. Dr. Rawat will provide an introductory exploration of plant functional traits within the temperate forests of the Himalayas, shedding light on the diverse characteristics of the tree species of the Himalayan region and offering insights into their ecological roles and responses to environmental changes. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of how plant traits influence ecosystem dynamics and resilience in the context of the temperate forest. 

Dr. Rawat is a forest ecologist specializing in the study of functional traits within the Himalayan region. She has conducted extensive fieldwork and analysis to unravel the intricate relationships between plant traits and ecosystem processes and functioning, i.e., aboveground biomass carbon, soil organic carbon, soil respiration and soil microbial biomass carbon in temperate forest ecosystem. Her expertise lies in studying ecosystem functioning, carbon and nutrient cycling, and the effects of global change on forest dynamics in Himalayan temperate forests. 

Faculty, students, and the public are invited to attend this program. Advanced registration is not required.  Refreshments will be available after the seminar. Parking is available on the third and fourth floors in the South Quad Parking Deck across from the CFWE Building on Duncan Drive. To receive announcements about future seminars, download the 2024 Fall Seminar Calendar or request to join our email list at cfwecom@auburn.edu.

Contact the seminar host or Robert Gitzen at rag0012@auburn.edu if you would like to attend via Zoom or access a recorded version of the seminar.