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Leonardo Lombardini Assistant Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences Room #426, HFSB |
| Leonardo Lombardini received his Laurea degree
(equivalent to B.S. + M.S.) in Forestry from the Università
degli Studi di Firenze, Italy, in 1993. The research conducted for
the Laurea focused on the morpho-physiological responses of Aleppo
Pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) seedlings under drought stress
conditions. In 1995, he moved to the United States to pursue a Doctoral Degree in Horticulture at Michigan State University, which he completed in 1999. His research at MSU involved the study of gas exchange, infrared thermometry and isotopic carbon labeling as tools to investigate source/sink relationships, root respiration, and drought stress physiology in apple trees. From 1999 until 2002, he held a postdoctoral position at the Washington State University, Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee. At WSU he investigated the responses of the application of particle film, deficit irrigation treatments, and plant bioregulators on whole-canopy assimilation rate, light interception, water relations, and fruit quality in apple and pear trees. In June 2002, he started his appointment as Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University, as horticulturist/pecan physiologist. Dr. Lombardini's areas of focus are plant physiology, especially in relation to gas exchange, and plant responses to environmental stress. At Texas A&M, Dr. Lombardini investigates the physiology of pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch), with particular emphasis to the responses (photosynthesis, yield, water relations, etc.) to horticultural practices (irrigation, light management, mineral nutrition, application of particle film, etc.) to improve performance and productivity. In addition, he is interested in investigating the nutritional aspects of pecans and their properties in relationship to human health. Dr. Lombardini is a Member of the Graduate Faculty of Texas A&M University since June 2002 and can serve as a Chair, Co-Chair or Member of Graduate Student Advising Committees. Dr. Lombardini is also the Internship Coordinator for the Department of Horticultural Sciences. "I try to spend as much time as possible with my graduate students, not only as a supervisor, but as a colleague. Mutual respect and trust are fundamental in my relationship with them, and once those principles are established between us, they will always receive my support. I also try to encourage them to interact actively with other graduate students in this or other departments to develop teamwork skills, to participate in group projects but also to share the unique experience of Graduate School. Important aspect to me is to speed up their learning process by actively discussing scientific issues with them and stimulating their thinking and creativity. Their inputs are always extremely valuable in developing and conducting my research projects." NOTE: The tree in the photograph is an 800+ year old Picea sitkaensis growing in the Olympic National Park, Washington State. |
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REFEREED PUBLICATIONS Gucci R.,
L. Lombardini, M. Tattini. 1997. Analysis of leaf water relations in
leaves of two olive (Olea europaea) cultivars differing in
tolerance to salinity. Tree Physiol. 17:13-21. |
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For a complete copy of Dr. Lombardini's curriculum vitae click here. To view and print Dr. Lombardini's business card click here. |
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