Tomás I. Fuenzalida

I went to university in Chile, first studying psychology and social sciences. Elective courses in natural sciences eventually led me to drop social sciences and pursue a degree in agronomy. While doing my undergrad I volunteered in a few research labs and was captivated by the inquiry process of experimental science. Courses and colloquiums in Parque Katalapi boosted my motivation to do a PhD and eventually took me to Canberra to work with Prof. Marilyn Ball. During my PhD, I became fascinated by the links between biomechanics and water content in plant tissues. My current interests include the biomechanics of soft plant tissues, their link with plant physiological function, and the use of touch-based techniques to measure the growth and water pulses of plants.