Aboveground net primary production (ANPP) in drylands is often estimated using the Monteith Model. This model relies on an estimation of radiation use efficiency (RUE), which is the amount of dry matter produced per unit of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation. While ANPP trends are well studied, RUE remains less explored, particularly regarding the role of photosynthetic pathways (C3, C4, CAM). Isabella’s research will determine differences in radiation use efficiency between C3 and C4 dominated systems. Isabella’s research will take place in the western Great Plains in the U.S along a latitudinal gradient from Canada to Texas. The U.S. Great Plains, with its natural gradient of temperature and plant composition, provides an ideal setting to investigate these patterns, improving projections of dryland ecosystem responses to climate change.
STUDENT RESEARCHER
Isabella Goodman – Western Resource Fellow | Isabella Goodman is a Master of Environmental Science Student at Yale School of the Environment studying dryland ecosystems in the American west. Her research focus on how climate change is driving changes in primary production in the western great plains. Originally from Alaska, Isabella has always been passionate about ecology, conservation, research, and the outdoors. She holds a B.S. in Conservation Biology from Montana State University, where she also worked as a research assistant. When not studying grasses and ID-ing plants she loves to trail run, ski, and knit. See what Isabella has been up to.