Thorsten Knipfer
Assistant Professor, Plant Physiology, Applied Biology Program
Contact
Email: thorsten.knipfer@ubc.ca
Office number: MCML 321
Office phone number: 604-827-0929
Education
2016 – 2020: Assistant Project Scientist, Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, USA.
2011 – 2016: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, USA.
2011 Ph.D., School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Ireland.
2007 Diploma (M.Sc.), Department of Plant Ecology, University of Bayreuth, Germany.
Biography
I joined UBC as an Assistant Professor in Plant Physiology at the Faculty of Land and Food Systems in September 2020. My research focuses on plant-water relations, xylem transport function, drought resistance, and sustainable irrigation strategies. Outside of my research, I enjoy lengthy bike rides and playing my guitar.
Current Teaching
APBI 490 201 (Winter term 2, 2022)
In this course, plant water requirements are discussed in the context of crop production and survival. Traditional and cutting-edge techniques will be presented that are currently used to monitor plant-water relations in laboratory and field conditions. This conceptual and practical knowledge will provide the foundation for implementing precision irrigation practices that promote water savings and sustainable agriculture.
Research
The goal of our research is to determine the spatiotemporal coupling of physiological processes that govern whole-plant performance under water stress by drought and following soil rehydration. This information will provide the foundation for (i) developing advanced strategies for the selection of crop genotypes with improved drought resistance and (ii) for creating management practices that allow for sustainable crop production through water savings.