Overview

I am a plant evolutionist who uses physics, engineering, and mathematics to understand the relationship between plant form and function and how this relationship has evolved in consort with the physical environment over the course of Earth`s history.

Research Focus

My focus is on plant evolution, particuarly how the shape, size, internal structure and reproductive biology of plants have changed over the course of millions of years of evolution.

Instruction Focus

I consider myself a teacher and a scientist. I love working with students, and I love doing research.

Additional Links

• Link to CALS Research portal
• Link to CALS Impact statements

Honors, Awards and Appointments

• Botanical Society of America's Centennial Medal, California - 2006
• The Jeanette Siron Pelton Award, Conservation and Research Foundation - 2002
• Alexander von Humboldt Forschungspreis for Senior Distinguished USA Scientists - 1998
• SUNY Chancellor`s Award for Excellence in Teaching - 1995
• John Simon Guggenheim Fellow - 1985

Professional Activities

• President-elect, Botanical Society of America - 2007
• Consultant to the NYC Department of Parks - 2003
• Scientific Committee, 3rd Plant Biomechanics Conference, Badenweiler, Germany - 200
• Editor-in-Chief, American Journal of Botany - 1995-2004

Selected Publications

• Niklas, K. J. 2007. Maximum plant height and the biophysical factors that limit it. Tree Physiology 27: 433 ? 440.
• Niklas, K. J. 2006. A phyletic perspective on the allometry of plant biomass-partitioning patterns and functionally equivalent organ-categories. New Phytologist 171: 27?40.
• Niklas, K. J. 1997. The Evolutionary Biology of Plants. University of Chicago Press.
• Niklas, K. J. 1994. Plant Allometry. University of Chicago Press.
• Niklas, K. J. 1992. Plant Biomechanics. University of Chicago Press.

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