Akane Uesugi

Dr Akane Uesugi is a lecturer in plant ecology and evolutionary biology, with a particular interest in understanding ecological and evolutionary drivers of plant invasion.

Akane has a broad background in ecology, with her previous projects extending to plant-insect interactions, plant-mycorrhizal interactions, plant chemical ecology, community and landscape ecology (birds), and plant eco-physiology.

Using field and greenhouse experiments, plant secondary metabolite analyses, quantitative genetics analyses, and ecological niche modelling, Akane’s current research projects with goldenrod (Solidago altissima) and capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) ask:
- Why do some exotic species become invasive in their novel ranges (and why some don’t)?
- Do invasive populations have evolutionary potential to adapt to novel environments and expand their distributions?
- How will invasive species distributions change under climate change?
- How does allelopathy (chemical inhibition of competitor plants) influence plant invasions?
- Does a release from herbivory lead to evolution of plant defense in invasive ranges?
- How do invasive plants become adapted to arid environments, and what physiological and chemical traits are involved in the adaptation?
- How do plants communicate the presence of herbivores with each other?
- What ecological interactions drive the evolution of flower colour polymorphism?

Akane received PhD from University of Michigan (USA). She held several postdoctoral and teaching positions in other institutions prior to joining RMIT.