Today Gauri successfully defended her thesis “How do insect pollinators fare in different environments?”. Gauri’s research studied the behavioral ecology, physiology, and morphology of pollinators at different elevations in the Eastern and Western Himalayas. For this work, she developed several techniques for assessment of floral cues, in field physiological measurement of heart rate and antennal sensitivity, and micro-CT. Gauri learned that elevation and global warming may have contrasting impacts on insects as their ranges shift upwards in elevation as a response to climate change. While insects may detect floral cues at all elevations, antennal sensitivity decreases at higher elevations, while heart rate is impacted by lower temperatures. Gross muscle morphology did not change, suggesting that these contrasting effects could impact their foraging and pollination abilities.
We are so proud of Dr. Gharpure and know that she will have a successful career ahead. Way to go reaching the mountaintop Gauri!
NICE 