Come visit the Plant-Soil-Environment Laboratory, investigating genetic and physiological mechanisms that allow certain species to tolerate and accumulate metals.
When
Plant-Soil-Environment Lab
As the BIO5 Institute celebrates 25 years of amazing research, our Community Tours provide an opportunity to meet the people behind the work. Attendees will witness active, collaborative, and impactful projects that will shape our next 25 years.
Dr. Alicja Babst-Kostecka studies how plants adapt to challenging environments, focusing on metal-contaminated soils at former mining sites. She leads the Plant-Soil-Environment Laboratory, investigating genetic and physiological mechanisms that allow certain species to tolerate and accumulate metals. By combining field studies with laboratory experiments, her work advances phytoremediation and ecosystem restoration. As Director of the Center for Environmentally Sustainable Mining (CESM) at the University of Arizona, she fosters collaborations between academia, industry, and government to develop sustainable mining practices, reduce environmental impacts, and translate research into practical solutions for ecosystem health and resource management.
What You Will Learn
- How plants may be able to limit the movement of toxic metals through ecosystems.
- How plants can potentially convert toxic metals into a state that is accessible for industrial and commercial use.
- Why Arizona is the best place for this lab to do it’s work.
Safety policy: Please wear closed toed shoes to this tour. Only those with closed toed shoe will be permitted inside the lab. Space can be tight, please consider not bringing large bags. Food and beverage are not permitted in the lab.
We will spend the full hour learning about the lab and it’s amazing work. Please plan an hour and half to account for parking and walking to/from the BIO5 Institute.
PARKING
Paid Garage Parking: Paid hourly garage parking is available in the Highland Avenue Garage (located at 1420 E Helen Street) Learn more about visitor parking information for University of Arizona garages.