Katya is a PhD student working with Prof. Greg Jordan and Prof. Tim Brodribb at the University of Tasmania and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success. Her project is investigating freezing tolerance in southern conifers, focusing on broad leaved podocarps. She aims to understand if freezing was a key component in their current distributions using comparative phylogenetic methods, and is investigating how conifer leaf vascular traits effect freezing tolerance, using optical methods. Away from the lab, Katya enjoys all things botany related, and will often be seen deep in the South West of Tasmania looking for rare and endemic plants. Katya is passionate about science communication, and is a co-host on the Eureka Prize winning ‘That’s What I Call Science’, a radio show/podcast that platforms a diverse range of voices from STEMM backgrounds to a broad audience.
Research keyword: Cool Conifers
About the BEAKER STREET ROVING SCIENTIST PROGRAM
Each August, hundreds of Roving Scientists descend upon Hobart, filling up pubs and chatting to strangers as part of Beaker Street Festival. Discover a new world down the lens of microscope, and joining the least-boring bar conversations you’ve ever heard and these free (the chats – not the drinks) events.
For Scientists, Beaker Street’s Roving Scientist Program offers an excellent outreach, professional development, and networking opportunity. It’s the nerdiest and funnest way to share your research with the public, expand your network, and be inspired by leaders in all sectors of science and science communication.