We are a lab group focused on plant eco-physiology, ecology and conservation at the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of South Florida. Our research aims to understand how coastal ecosystems in Florida are influenced by climate change and coastal development, and how to best conserve and restore them.
We combine techniques from the fields of plant eco-physiology, ecosystem ecology and functional trait ecology, and to conduct local field work in Florida.
Research
Climate sensitivity of Florida's coastal ecosystems
The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is increasing, both locally and globally. These extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts and floods, can have severe impacts on ecosystem functioning. The coastal mangrove ecosystems provide several important ecosystem services from carbon storage to protection from flooding. I am interested in finding out how these ecosystems will respond to increasing heat, drought and rising seas levels.
Effects of urbanisation on coastal ecosystem services
The population of Florida is increasing fast, which has led to expanding development and urbanisation. Many of the coastal ecosystems can exist in very urban settings, but it is unclear whether they are still providing the same ecosystem services compared to similar ecosystems situated in more natural settings. I am interested in finding out how urbanisation and disturbance from development affects important ecosystem services, such as flood prevention, carbon storage, and biodiversity.
People
Kristiina Visakorpi
I have recently started as a faculty member at USF. My research is motivated by the goal to understand ecology across scales, from plant eco-physiology to ecosystem-level processes, and to find solutions to the ongoing environmental crisis. Alongside my ecological research, I work towards re-defining and discussing the role of ecological researchers in the times of environmental crisis. See my personal website here.
Ashik Rubaiyat
Ashik Rubaiyat is a PhD student in the Visakorpi Lab. His research interests lie in plant ecophysiology, mangrove ecosystems, and forest management. He investigates how plants cope with high salinity stress to help guide ecological restoration across Florida’s mangrove ecosystems, combining field and experimental approaches. Ashik brings extensive international experience to his doctoral work. He previously served as a Research Fellow in Fiji collaborating with the University of the South Pacific on mangrove research, and conducted field studies in Sri Lanka’s Hurulu Forest Reserve, a dry monsoon forest. He holds a Master of Science in Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology from the University of Goettingen, Germany, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Parbati Poudel
I am a master student in Dr. Visakorpi lab. I completed my bachelor of science in forestry from Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. I joined government service as forest ranger in Nepal where I worked in the sector of forest management for one and half year. My research interest lies on plant ecology, ecophysiology, ecohydrology and climate change. I am interested in understanding how several plant species adapt to global change drivers and anthropogenic disturbances through physiological lenses. I will be studying how different functional traits of mangroves respond to environmental stress and how it gets recovered after stress is removed. I plan to graduate in 2028 and am interested in exploring opportunities in the industry and corporate world. I am particularly interested in the position of environmental restoration planner.
Lucy Wiedmar
Hello, my name is Lucy! I am a graduate student at the University of South Florida, pursuing an M.S. in Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Evolution. Prior to joining this master's program, I spent several years in the FL Keys teaching marine science to students of all ages and backgrounds. I have developed a deep passion for connecting individuals with their natural world and fostering environmental advocacy. My research interests are rooted in conservation of mangrove communities across Florida’s coasts. I am excited to study under Dr. Visakorpi, as I further examine plant physiology in mangroves. I am co-advised by Dr. Zalamea