Research Interests

My research interests sit at the interface between plant biology, organismal biology, plant physiology, plant systematics, transcriptomics and phylogenetics. I utilize a wide variety of approaches to understand mechanisms of plant evolution.

My research integrates ecophysiological, biochemical, molecular and systematic approaches to understand the evolution of a unique photosynthetic pathway, Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) in orchids.

My research is aimed at understanding the evolution of Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), a unique photosynthetic pathway present in many epiphytic orchids. I employ a variety of techniques, from whole plant physiological measurements to transcriptomics and phylogenetic analyses, to ultimately understand how orchids evolve into such a successful plant group.

I use the stable isotopic composition of carbon (δ¹³C) in plant tissues from herbarium specimens and live collections in Botanic Gardens to distinguish between C₃ and CAM photosynthetic pathways. CAM plants typically exhibit more negative δ¹³C values due to their nighttime carbon fixation and storage mechanisms. Understanding the prevalence and functioning of CAM photosynthesis in different ecosystem can further our knowledge of plant adaptations and aid in conservation efforts worldwide.

Katia Silvera, PhD

Plant Biology, Plant Physiology, Orchidology and Conservation Scientist

Research Interests