Leah Dudley

Plant Ecophysiologist

Research Interests: My research explores how plants respond to environmental variation, particularly water availability, temperature, and other stresses, and how these responses influence plant function and ecological interactions. Much of my current work focuses on native Oklahoma plants, including studies of plant water relations, antimicrobial properties, pollination and plant–visitor interactions, and the use of herbarium specimens to understand how plant traits have changed with climate and atmospheric conditions over time. My research integrates plant ecophysiology with ecology and evolution and spans field studies, laboratory experiments, greenhouse work, and quantitative data analysis. Undergraduate researchers are central to this work and participate throughout the research process, from field collection and experimental design to data analysis and scientific communication.