Meet the Researcher: Artur Stefanski

Artur Stefanski is part of an MITPPC-funded team – led by ecologist Peter Reich – that is exploring how native and invasive forest species will fare in warmer climates of the future.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Ph.D. Candidate | he/him/his

Can you tell me about your research?

We are looking at how future weather will affect invasive species. Particularly in this case, we're looking at the woody shrubs buckthorn and honeysuckle and how they will fare in a warmer climate. We can compare the growth of native species and invasive species to see which group will be better competitors.

What drew you to invasive species research?

As a researcher, I try to see the world in its natural condition. Besides having just a basic interest in plant properties and behavior, and the mechanisms that govern those different biological processes, I'm also a big fan of native plants.

I would like to learn about plants’ invasiveness – why they're invading, how they’re doing it and why they're so effective at it. This will help us to prevent their spread in our national forests. I'd like to make sure that the research we do will help us to understand and mitigate the process of invasion.

What would you like people to take away from your research?

One thing I want people to realize is that plants will be affected by climate change. And depending on the scale of that change, the effect will be mostly negative, at least for our native boreal species.

When you are not out in the field or in the lab, what do you like to do for fun?

I work on my garden at home. I propagate lots of plants myself. I also try to plant a lot of different native plants. I am a big fan of movies—I like to watch different types and genres. During the winter, I snowboard and practice martial arts.

To learn more about the Artur's work with woody invasives, check out our newest feature about adapting research during the pandemic, and the MITPPC project page.

Funding for this project was provided by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative and Citizen Commission for Minnesota Resources.

About the Author

Maggie Nesbit is a Communications Intern with the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC). She is a double major in English and Strategic Communications at the University of Minnesota. In her spare time, Maggie enjoys running, hiking, reading and spending time with friends and family. Maggie's position is funded by a grant from the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council.