In this lab, we examines the relationships between plants, water, soil and climate.
We measure the function of individual plants, then scale-up to the watershed or ecosystem. This allows us to explore the physiological mechanisms driving patterns of water, carbon, and nutrient transport across space and time. We also use dendro-related techniques to explore longer-term plant responses to climate as a means to predict future plant responses to changing climate.
Our research focuses on ecosystems globally, including the Northern Rocky Mountains, the Sky Islands of the Southwest, Amazon rainforest, and the Galapagos Islands.
Our lab is equipped with commonly-used instruments to study plant ecophysiology, including a Li-6800 gas analyzer, a pressure bomb for measuring plant water potential, a water distillation extraction line, and a Picarro L2130-i for isotope analysis. Using isotopes, we can trace the chemical signature of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen as they move through the soil-plant-climate continuum.
The Hu lab is also committed to diversity and inclusion. We believe in inclusive excellence and recognize that a diversity of talents, worldviews, perceptions, and cultures help advance our scientific and education mission. We are committed to attracting and supporting students and researchers from diverse backgrounds, including race, gender, socio-economic status, age, sexual orientation and identity, religion, nationality, culture, and ideas.
Our lab respectfully acknowledges the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the we strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.
The Hu Lab 