Scientists know a lot about how ferns and seed plants move water from the soil through their leaves—but these aren’t the only plants that need to stay hydrated. I study how liverworts, which are related to mosses, move water in a completely different way. Instead of internal plumbing, liverworts rely on special cells outside their leaf-like bodies to transport water. By studying how these plants stay hydrated, we can learn more about the evolution of water transport—and how plants survive life on land.
Research keyword: Plant evolution, liverworts
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.
