Dr. Bauerle received her Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University where she specialized in Root Physiological Ecology. Currently she is engaged in an exciting area of research – studying woody plant physiology and associated belowground dynamics from the cell to the whole plant. More specifically, her research focuses on plant responses to heightened fluctuations of environmental stresses and their predicted increased frequency. Her basic research has attracted the mutual interest of academia and industry due to the nature of its applicability and focus on pertinent issues, such as limited plant water supply and fine root responses to herbivore pressures. Dr. Bauerle is an Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future Faculty Fellow and has been recognized for her teaching and mentoring.