People of SIMSL
Jesse Nippet
nippert@ksu.edu
Phone: 785-532-0114
My research focus is on plant eco-physiological responses to changes in water availability (spatially, temporally, or driven by climate changes). Particularly, I'm interested in the mechanisms of drought tolerance by grassland and savanna species (structure / function) as well as the theory of competition/ facilitation for water between trees and grasses. Thus, I enjoy spending my time addressing questions linking resource availability - physiology - patterns of productivity, with the goal of improving our ability to scale energy dynamics and hydrological processes from the plant- to ecosystem-level.
I love spending time outdoors in the grasslands. These systems exist within an interface of climatic variability and frequent disturbance (fire and grazers). Grass species are deceptively simple, but their unique physiology and form is adapted to environmental stress and disturbance. Despite abiotic and biotic pressures, grasses are masters of growth efficiency and develop dense canopies and high biomass. The environmental and biotic complexity of grasslands provides a challenging (mentally and physically) and enjoyable system to study. For me, there is nothing better than spending a day in the sun of the Konza Prairie.
Wyatt Hansen
Email: wyha4434@ksu.edu
Phone: 720-215-5278
Bachelors in Geological Science
Wyatt graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder in May 2019 and manages SIMSL. He got involved with stable isotope science through his research of paleoclimate and ice cores. Wyatt holds a bachelors in Geological Science and was awarded summa cum laude for his research. He works at the lab to gain work experience and to gain a better understanding of the stable isotope analysis process before going to Grad school.
Jessica Schauf
Undergraduate
Agronomy & Animal Science
I grew up on a family farm which created my love of the outdoors since a very early age. I grew to love plants as I learned more about them in college once I decided to dual major in Agronomy and Animal Science. Working in the EcoPhys lab has provided experience in lab work but also helped me develop an understanding about plants which will help me in my future career.
