Alicja Babst-Kostecka, PhD

Dr. Babst-Kostecka’s research combines genetic, phenotypic, and environmental information in an integrated framework to study plant adaptation to changing environmental conditions. She is particularly interested in the mechanisms that allow certain plant species to colonize industrially contaminated habitats at former mining sites. These species thereby undergo rapid genetic and physiological adaptation. Specifically, they have evolved the ability to tolerate and sometimes accumulate remarkable amounts of metal trace elements – traits that she is studying in both field and controlled laboratory experiments. Dr. Babst-Kostecka’s interdisciplinary work sets the stage for mitigating the legacies of industrial exploitation. By advancing the molecular basis of phytoremediation and biofortification efforts, she strives to contribute to improving environmental and human health.