Thorsten Knipfer

Thorsten Knipfer is an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Department of Applied Biology. His research focuses on plant-water relations, drought stress responses, and sustainable agriculture, particularly in woody perennial crops and cereals.

Research Interests:

• Drought-induced changes in xylem function and root hydraulics
• Physiological phenotyping using water potential curves and microCT imaging
• 3D visualization of hydraulic processes in plants
• Development of sustainable crop production strategies through water savings

Selected Trends: Recent publications emphasize drought thresholds, hydraulic trait modeling, rootstock-scion interactions, and advanced imaging techniques like X-ray microCT for studying plant water dynamics.

Scientific Awards:

• Embark Initiative Postgraduate Research Scholarship (Irish Research Council)

Education & Positions:

• PhD in Biology and Environmental Science (University College Dublin, 2011)
• Postdoctoral Research Associate at UC Davis (2011–2016)
• Assistant Project Scientist at UC Davis (2016–2020)

Advising: Supervises PhD and MSc students in Plant Science, focusing on drought-resistant crop development.