Pieter Poot

Pieter Poot is a Senior Lecturer in Plant Conservation Biology and Ecophysiology at the University of Western Australia's School of Biological Sciences. He holds a PhD from Utrecht University (1996) and has conducted extensive research on plant adaptations in biodiversity hotspots, particularly in SW Australia. His work focuses on understanding species distribution patterns, plant-water relations under climate change, and ecophysiological conservation strategies.

Education:

• BSc and MSc in Plant Ecology/Ecophysiology, Utrecht University (1991)
• PhD in Plant Ecophysiology, Utrecht University (1996)

Research Interests: Dr. Poot investigates how plant species adapt to environmental challenges, including drought, shallow soils, and climate change. He has pioneered studies on root foraging strategies, species coexistence mechanisms, and the ecophysiology of threatened plant species. His work bridges basic science and applied conservation, particularly in SW Australia's Mediterranean environment.

Grants & Projects:

• ARC-Linkage Grant: Ecophysiological adaptations of Hakea species (2000s)
• Revegetation studies for solar farms and mine sites (2010s-2020s)
• AusTraits plant trait database project (2020s)

Teaching: Coordinates Conservation Biology (BIOL2261) and Global Climate Change & Biodiversity (ENVT2221). Deputy coordinator for Botany major.