Michelle Murray

Dr. Michelle Murray serves as Outreach Fellow at the Trinity College Botanic Garden, Trinity College Dublin, since 2019. This role, established through the Cathcart Botany and Schuler funds, encompasses communications, outreach, strategic planning support for the garden's 10-year vision, and teaching student practical sessions. The garden, a unique university facility in Ireland, has been a teaching and research hub for the Department of Botany for over two centuries.

Education:

• BAgrSc in Horticulture, University College Dublin (2011)
• PhD, School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin (SFI-funded)

Research Interests: Dr. Murray specializes in plant physiology and climate change impacts, with focus areas including stomatal conductance, gas exchange in woody plants, and water cycling dynamics. Her work integrates paleoecological data from herbarium specimens with contemporary climate science to understand long-term plant responses to rising CO2 levels.

Scientific Awards:

• SFI PhD Fellowship
• SFI Postdoctoral Fellowship

Grants and Collaborations: Her current position is funded by the Cathcart Botany and Schuler funds. Previously, her doctoral and postdoctoral research received Science Foundation Ireland support. She collaborates with Prof. Jenny McElwain (Gardens Director) and the Smithsonian Herbarium for access to the CLAMP collection.

Teaching and Outreach: Dr. Murray develops educational programs and teaches student practical sessions at the Botanic Garden, leveraging its historical collections for hands-on learning in plant science.