Diego Márquez

Dr Diego Márquez is a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham's School of Biosciences, working in Dr. Florian Busch's lab. His research focuses on mechanistic modeling of plant physiology, particularly gas exchange, CO₂ diffusion in mesophyll tissues, and transpiration dynamics. He holds a PhD in Plant Sciences from the Australian National University (2021), an MSc and undergraduate degree in Agronomic Engineering from the University of Chile (2013, 2010).

Education:

• PhD in Plant Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia (2021)
• MSc in Agronomic Engineering, University of Chile, Santiago (2013)
• Bachelor in Agronomic Engineering, University of Chile, Santiago (2010)

Research Interests: Dr. Márquez combines theoretical biophysics and experimental approaches to model plant physiological processes. Key areas include:

• CO₂ diffusion gradients in mesophyll intercellular spaces
• Stomatal and non-stomatal constraints to transpiration and photosynthesis
• Water-soil-plant-atmosphere interactions under drought
• Leaf gas exchange dynamics and their environmental sensitivity

His work bridges plant physiology with environmental and ecological contexts, emphasizing precision in gas exchange measurements.

Research Trends: His publications emphasize refining gas exchange measurement techniques (e.g., separating adaxial/abaxial fluxes), quantifying CO₂ diffusion limitations, and exploring unsaturated leaf microclimates. Recent work highlights the role of mesophyll airspace unsaturation in C4 plant resilience and the impact of vapor pressure deficits on transpiration.

Awards & Grants: No specific awards listed, though his research aligns with funding priorities in plant physiology and climate resilience. His postdoctoral work under Prof. Graham Farquhar (ANU) suggests potential grant support from agricultural or environmental agencies.

Labs & Collaborations: Collaborates closely with the Plant Physiologist group at Birmingham, developing tools for scientists in biophysics and environmental plant science. His lab integrates experimental and computational methods to advance understanding of plant stress responses and gas exchange mechanisms.