Born and raised in the São Paulo State in Brazil, her journey to the University of Utah is rooted in her lifelong passion for plants. “Ever since I was a young kid growing up in Brazil, I've always been interested in what plants are doing,” she shares. “And when it comes to the type of work that I do, I just want plants to always be around. I love plants very much, and I know that we need them for our livelihood, and their role in the ecosystem is very important.”
Aparecido’s educational path began in forestry engineering in Brazil where she was introduced to undergraduate research, inspired by her father’s career as a university professor. She then pursued a master’s degree studying the ecology of the Amazon rainforest, during which her fascination with plant ecology and physiology deepened. “When I was there, that's when I started getting more in tune with plant ecology and plant physiology, and how these fields are crucial in understanding the structure and function of forests,” she explains. However, her academic journey was not without challenges. She almost stepped away from academia before deciding to apply for a PhD program at Texas A&M University where she earned her doctorate in Ecosystem Science and Management. Her doctoral work led her to explore the complexities of plant interactions with leaf wetness in the tropics of Costa Rica.
After earning her PhD, Aparecido completed a postdoctoral position at Arizona State University where she shifted her focus to arid land ecology — a surprising contrast to her roots in the lush Amazon rainforest. “When I moved to Arizona State, I was doing preliminary work in the Sonoran Desert, and that's when I realized there's so much we don't know about these plants that are very unique and very adapted to these ecosystems,” she explains. “How are they going to look in the future? Are they really as resistant as people think they are? Are they even resilient?”
At the U, Aparecido’s research addresses crucial questions about plant resilience in urban and natural landscapes, particularly in the face of climate change. Her current research is crucial for understanding plants’ response to heat and drought stress, such as plant adaptations to urban heat islands, a common phenomena in the Southwest region of the US.
These responses can be measured through leaf gas exchange rates (photosynthesis and transpiration), stem water use and hydraulics, plant morphological traits and local microclimatic conditions. “When it comes to urban plants and plants that we see up on the hillside, understanding how resilient they are to heatwaves and drier conditions matters for restoration and conservation,” she says.
Aparecido’s work also delves into invasion ecology, examining what makes certain plants invasive and how they might outcompete native species. “Invasion is
something that's going to be inevitable with climate change,” she says. “We’re trying to figure out what happens at the physiological level that allows invasive plants to dominate over native ones.”
Aparecido’s research has significant implications for both ecological preservation and agriculture. She emphasizes the importance of developing drought- and heat-tolerant plants and understanding local plant adaptations to inform conservation efforts. She also highlights the challenges of maintaining diverse urban forests in a warming climate. “When you have a large number of the same species, that makes it more attractive for pathogens or insects to come in, but it also means that there is less variability in functions and traits, which might be detrimental when all plants are stressed at the same time” she explains. “So the more diversity you have in plant communities the better off they will be in an ecosystem. I’m talking about neighborhood scale but also in your own lawn. The more diverse you go, the better.” Aparecido emphasizes that in the world of plants, small changes can go a very long way.
Looking for patterns
Beyond her research, Aparecido is a dedicated teacher and mentor. She currently supervises three graduate students working on projects ranging from the physiology of invasive Russian olive trees to the behavior of tumbleweeds and hybrid oak resilience. She is also teaching a course on ecosystem ecology this spring. “One thing about my job that I love is looking for patterns,” she says. “Plant processes are embedded in modeling for climate projections and plant distribution projections because of these patterns.” In her lab and classroom she strives to provide her students with extensive tools and knowledge to measure plants' health as they adapt to environmental challenges.
Looking ahead, Aparecido is eager to collaborate with researchers and organizations at the U, including at the Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy and Red Butte Garden. She values the opportunity to work alongside like-minded colleagues who share her passion for understanding and protecting plant ecosystems. Aparecido’s enthusiasm for plants and nature extends beyond her work. She enjoys exploring Utah’s unique landscapes through road trips and hikes, often accompanied by her dog, Cookie. “I think I always felt very connected to the land,” she reflects. “And I just love working with plants and understanding the environment through them.”
As Luiza Aparecido settles into her new role, she remains committed to following her passion for plants and inspiring others to do the same.
by Julia St. Andre