Granda Fernández, Elena

Biography

I am a plant ecologist interested in the effects of global change on woody plant functioning. My research lines deal with tree responses and adjustments to biotic and abiotic factors at local and community scales. I have developed my studies through a multidisciplinary approach (basic aspects of ecology, dendroecology and ecophysiology among others) considering the different stages of the plant´s life history, from seeds to adult trees. I have specifically focused my latest research on the understanding of the functional mechanisms behind tree decline and mortality. Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Pyrenean Institute of Ecology (IPE-CSIC) focusing on the potential role of functional and structural diversity as drivers of stability in woody plant communities under climate stress (e.g. drought).

Research Interest

The main research fields I am interested in are: 1. Tree responses to climate and environmental changes 2. Forest vulnerability and dieback mechanisms 3. Dendroecology: growth, wood anatomy, carbon and oxygen isotopes 4. Functional diversity 5. Regeneration patterns 6. Biotic interactions