Lucas A. Cernusak

Lucas A. Cernusak is a Professor in the College of Science and Engineering at James Cook University, specializing in plant physiology, stable isotope analysis, and tropical forest ecology. His research focuses on understanding plant responses to environmental stressors, particularly related to water use, carbon cycling, and climate change impacts on tropical ecosystems. He maintains an active research program with extensive collaborations across Australia and internationally.

Dr. Cernusak's research interests center on plant-water relations, carbon isotope discrimination, and the physiological mechanisms that enable plants to cope with environmental stress. His work integrates stable isotope techniques with traditional physiological measurements to understand leaf gas exchange, mesophyll conductance, and plant water-use efficiency across diverse ecosystems. A significant portion of his research examines tropical forest responses to changing environmental conditions, particularly vapor pressure deficit and temperature stress.

Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a consistent focus on plant responses to climate change stressors, with particular emphasis on tropical ecosystems. His work frequently employs stable isotope methodologies to investigate plant water relations and carbon cycling. Key research themes include leaf thermoregulation, wood decay processes, ozone impacts on forests, and the physiological basis of plant adaptation to environmental stress. His publications appear in leading journals across plant physiology, ecology, and biogeochemistry.

Dr. Cernusak maintains an active research program with numerous grants supporting field and laboratory work in tropical ecosystems. His research group collaborates with scientists across Australia and internationally to address critical questions about plant responses to global environmental change. While specific grant details aren't provided in the available information, his extensive publication record suggests substantial research funding.