Alexandra (Ali) Schuessler, M.S.

Research Interests:

• Fungal ecology and genetics
• Plant/fungal interactions
• Desert plant physiology and genetics
• Invasive species ecology
• Riparian restoration

Personal Statement

I manage the plant physiology and molecular labs where staff studies the traits and functions of desert and arid riparian plants, and help identify the genomics and phylogenies of agave, cactus and other desert plants. One of my personal research interests includes dark septate endophytic fungi and how it influences plants in the desert and riparian systems. Our research aims to determine how these fungi are potentially assisting plant growth regulator production, nutrient and water uptake and other positive plant growth responses.