Biogeographic and Temporal Diversity of Phyllosphere Fungal Communities Across Alpine Sites in the Green Mountains
Brusch, Sophia
Brusch, Sophia
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Abstract
The purpose of this project is to characterize the microbial composition of the �phyllosphere� - the above ground portion of a plant (generally leaves) - across alpine zones in the Green Mountains. This research will examine how factors such as local environment, plant physiology, and plant developmental stages influence microbial diversity. The findings will contribute to the Keller Lab�s ongoing NSF-funded project on alpine biodiversity in the Northeast, which investigates the effects of climate change and habitat fragmentation on alpine plant biodiversity. By integrating metagenomics, population genomics, and high-resolution measures of plant functional traits, this study will provide valuable insights into microbial dynamics within Northeastern alpine ecosystems. It will inform strategies for plant conservation, enhance understanding of plant adaptation to shifting environmental conditions, and deepen our knowledge of plant-microbe interactions and their role in plant stress resilience.
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Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Senior (Graduating in 2026)
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Poster
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B.S. Plant Biology
College/School
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Life Science