Timothy M.

Wertin – Curriculum vitae

Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801
twertin@illinois.edu Tel: 706-372-3100 http://timothywertin.weebly.com/ @tmwertin

Education:
Ph.D., University of Georgia, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 2010
M.S., University of Wisconsin, Department of Forest Ecology, 2005
B.S., University of Missouri, Department of Biochemistry, 2001

Professional Experience:
2016 – Present Postdoctoral Associate, Institute for Genomic Biology, U. of Illinois
2012 – 2015 Postdoctoral Associate, Energy Biosciences Institute, U. of Illinois
2010 – 2012 Postdoctoral Fellow, USGS, Canyonlands Research Station, Moab, UT
2006 – 2010 Graduate Student, Dept. of Forestry and Natural Resources, U. of Georgia
2005 – 2006 Research Assistant, Dept. of Forest Ecology, University of Wisconsin
2004 – 2005 Graduate Student, Dept. of Forest Ecology, University of Wisconsin
2002 – 2004 Research Assistant, Dept. of Forest Ecology, University of Wisconsin
2001 – 2002 AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps service member

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:

1. Wertin TM, D LeBauer, TA Volk, ADB Leakey. 2018. Site and genotypic specific
parameterization improves model predictions of transpiration in coppiced willows. In
preparation for Agricultural and Forest Meteorology.

2. Wertin TM, T Volk, A Noormets, G Johnson, W Berguson, G Kling, ADB Leakey. 2018.
Parameterizing and comparing common models of stomatal conductance to test for the
effects of time, space and biological diversity. In preparation for Plant Physiology.

3. Leakey ADB, TM Wertin. 2018 Modeling physiological plasticity and biological diversity
in stomatal function. In preparation for Plant Physiology.

4. Wertin TM, K Young, SC Reed. 2017. The effect of whole plant photosynthesis on soil
respiration varies by distance from plant base. Oikos.

5. Wolz KJ, TM Wertin, M Abordo, D Wang, ADB Leakey. 2017. Diversity in stomatal
function is integral to modelling plant carbon and water fluxes. Nature Ecology & Evolution.
1: 1292.

6. Wertin TM, J Belnap, SC Reed. 2016. Experimental warming in a dryland community

reduced plant photosynthesis and soil CO2 efflux although the relationship between the
fluxes remained unchanged. Functional Ecology. 31: 297-305.

7. Wertin TM, SC Reed, J Belnap. 2015. Varied consequences of elevated temperature and
altered precipitation among C3 grasses, C4 grasses and shrubs in a dryland community on the
Colorado Plateau, USA. In Press: Oecologia (Special Issue on long-term studies in arid
ecosystems), 177: 997-1013.
8. Wang D, D Jaiswal, D LeBauer, TM Wertin ADB Leakey, S Long. 2015. A physiological
and biophysical model of coppice willow (Salix spp.) production yields for the contiguous
USA in current and future climate scenarios. Plant, Cell and Environment (Special Issue:
Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry), 38: 1850-1864.

9. Teskey RO, TM Wertin, I Bauweraerts, M Ameye, MA McGuire, K Steppe. 2015.

Responses of tree species to heat waves and extreme heat events. Plant, Cell and
Environment (Special Issue: Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry), 38: 1699-1712.

10. Bauweraerts I, T Maennerts, TM Wertin, MA McGuire, K Steppe, RO Teskey. 2014.

Elevated [CO2] and growth temperature had a small positive effect on photosynthetic
thermotolerace of Pinus taeda seedlings. Trees-Structure and Function. 28: 1515-1526.

11. Bauweraets I, M Ameye, TM Wertin, MA McGuire, RO Teskey, K Steppe. 2014.

Acclimation effects of heat waves and elevated [CO2] on gas exchange and chlorophyll
fluorescence of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings. Plant Ecology (Special Issue:
Living with extremes: the dark side of global climate change). 215: 733-746.

12. Bauweraerts I, M Ameye, TM Wertin, MA McGuire, RO Teskey, K Steppe. 2014. Water

availability is the decisive factor for the growth of two tree species in the occurrence of
consecutive heat waves. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology. 189-190: 19-29.

13. Cerasoli S, TM Wertin, MA McGuire, A Rodrigues, DP Aubrey, JS Pereia, RO Teskey.

2014. Poplar saplings exposed to recurring temperature shifts of different amplitude exhibit
differences in leaf gas exchange and growth despite equal mean temperature. AOB Plants
(DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plu018)

14. Zelikova TJ, RA Hufbauer, SC Reed, TM Wertin, C Fettig, J Belnap. 2013 Eco-
evolutionary responses of Bromus tectorum to climate change: implications for biological
invasions. Ecology and Evolution. 3: 1374-1387.

15. Bauweraerts I, TM Wertin, M Ameye, MA McGuire, RO Teskey, K Steppe. 2013. The

effects of heat waves, elevated [CO2] and low soil water availability on northern red oak
(Quercus rubra L.) seedlings. Global Change Biology. 19: 517-528.

16. Wertin TM, SL Phillips, SC Reed, J Belnap. 2012. Elevated [CO2] did not mitigate the
effect of a short-term drought on biological soil crusts. Biology and Fertility of Soils. 48:
797-805

17. Ameye M, TM Wertin, I Bauweraerts, MA McGuire, RO Teskey, K Steppe. 2012. The

effect of an induced heat wave on Pinus taeda and Quercus rubra in ambient and elevated
CO2 atmosphere. New Phytologist. 196: 448-461.

18. Wertin TM, MA McGuire, RO Teskey. 2012. Effects of predicted and current atmospheric
temperature and [CO2] and high and low soil moisture on gas exchange and growth of Pinus
taeda seedlings at cool and warm sites in the species range. Tree Physiology. 32: 847-858.

19. Wertin TM, MA McGuire, M van Iersel, J Ruter, RO Teskey. 2012. Effects of elevated
temperature and [CO2] on photosynthesis, leaf respiration and biomass accumulation of
 Pinus taeda seedlings at cool and warm sites within the species’ current range. Canadian
Journal of Forest Research. 42: 943-957.

20. Wertin TM, MA McGuire, RO Teskey. 2011. Higher growth temperatures decreased net
carbon assimilation and biomass accumulation of northern red oak seedlings near the
southern limit of the species range. Tree Physiology. 31: 1277-1288.

21. Wertin TM, MA McGuire, RO Teskey. 2010. The influence of elevated temperature,
elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration, and water stress on net photosynthesis in Pinus
taeda (loblolly pine) throughout its native range. Global Change Biology. 16: 2089-2103.

22. Wertin TM, RO Teskey. 2008. Close coupling of whole-plant respiration to net
photosynthesis and carbohydrates. Tree Physiology. 28:1831-1840.

23. Hoyos ME, L Palmieri, TM Wertin, R Arrigoni, JC Polacco, F Palmieri. 2003. Identification
of a mitochondrial transporter for basic amino acids in Arabidopsis thaliana by functional
reconstitution into liposomes and complementation in yeast. Plant Journal. 33 (6): 1027-1035.

Grants:
Collaborator: Sustainability of Woody Biofuel Feedstocks. Energy Biosciences Institute.
($244,100). 2015-2016. Due to my status as a postdoc, I was not able to be listed as a co-PI. I
significantly contributed to the intellectual development, writing and budgeting of this renewal.

Collaborator: Vulnerability of Rangelands to Variable Rainfall. US Geological Survey.

($18,946). 2011-2012. Due to my status as a postdoc, I was not able to be listed as a PI.
However, I generated the idea for this grant, designed the experiment, lead the writing and
generated the budget of this proposal, which was submitted by my supervisor (S. Reed).

Awards:
2010 Gerald B. and Charlotte Alexander Saunders Scholarship, University of Georgia,
Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources
2008 Oral Presentation First Place Award, Warnell School of Forestry Graduate
Student Symposium
2008 University of Georgia Graduate School Travel Grant
2001 University of Missouri Plant Genomics Internship
2000 University of Missouri Plant Genomics Internship

Field Research Experience:

2016 - 2017 Genetic variation in the response to ozone pollution of field-grown maize
2012 – 2015 Multi-site study of woody feedstock physiology and productivity
2011 – 2012 Dryland ecosystem temperature and precipitation manipulation study
2006 – 2010 Multi-site temperature, CO2 and water climate impact on tree growth study
2004 – 2006 Stomatal control of light limited photosynthesis in tree canopies
2002 – 2004 Assisted in large scale temperature manipulation of boreal black spruce

Presentations (invited or selected)

1. Wertin TM. 2017. Integrating measurements and modeling of plant water use. Texas Tech
University. August 14th. – Invited presentation.
2. Wertin TM, NE Choquette, PJ Brown, L McIntyre, EA Ainsworth, ADB Leakey. 2017.
Genetic and genomic approaches to understand and improve maize responses to ozone. Carl
R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology Fellows Symposium. May 4th. – Invited
presentation.

3. Wertin TM. 2017. Preparing for the impacts of climate change on agricultural production.
Texas Tech University. February 22nd. – Invited presentation

4. Wertin TM, NE Choquette, PJ Brown, L McIntyre, EA Ainsworth, ADB Leakey. 2017.

High throughput leaf gas exchange identified QTLs responsible for photosynthesis and
stomatal conductance sensitivity to ozone in maize. Phenome. Tuscon, AZ. February 10th -
14th. - Selected from Abstract

5. Wertin TM. 2016. Measuring and modeling plant response to climate change. Georgia
Southern University. – Invited presentation.

6. Reed, SC, S Ferrenberg, TM Wertin, T McHugh, J Belnap. 2015. The long and the short of
it: How distinct climate drivers differentially affect different components of dryland structure
and function over varied timescales. Department of Energy PI meeting. Potomac, MD. April
26-28. – Invited presentation

7. Wertin TM, SC Reed, J Belnap. 2011. The effects of increased temperature and altered
precipitation on plants in an arid ecosystem. The American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting.
San Francisco, CA. - Selected from Abstract

8. Wertin TM, MA McGuire, RO Teskey. 2009. The influence of elevated temperature,

elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration, and water stress on net photosynthesis in loblolly
pine (Pinus taeda) throughout its native range. The Ecological Society of America 94th
Annual Meeting. Albuquerque, NM. – Selected from Abstract

9. Wertin, TM, MA McGuire, RO Teskey. 2010. The effect of an increase in air temperature
and [CO2] on tree seedling biomass accumulation. The Ecological Society of America 95th
Annual Meeting. Pittsburgh, PA. – Selected from Abstract

Selected Presentations
1. Oguta F, A Morison, TM Wertin, N Choquette, P Brown, ADB Leakey EA Ainsworth, L
McIntyre. 2017. Heritability of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance in ambient and
elevated ozone concentrations. University of Florida Plant Science Symposium. April 13th –
14th.

2. Erica G, N Miller, R Paul, D Xie, TM Wertin, …, ADB Leakey. 2016. Rapid optical
profilometry and computer vision of leaf epidermal structure applied to genetic and
environmental control of stomatal patterning in model C4 species. Genomic Sciences
Program Annual PI Meeting.

3. Reed, SC, TM Wertin, S Ferrenberg, C Tucker, T Painter, J Belnap. 2015. Dryland

feedbacks to climate change. American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting. San Francisco,
CA. December 14-18. – Invited presentation
4. Wertin TM, D LeBauer, TA Volk, SP Long, ADB Leakey. 2014. Measured and modeled
water fluxes in hybrid willows grown for biofuel production. The 16th Annual International
Congress on Photosynthesis. American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting. San Francisco,
CA. December 15-20.

5. Wertin TM, K Wolz, M Abordo, ADB Leakey. 2013. Replacing generic parameterizations
of stomatal function in temperature trees with species-specific functions allows modeling to
resolve interspecific variation in carbon and water flux. American Geophysical Union
Annual Meeting. San Francisco, CA. December 9-13.

6. Wertin TM, K Wolz, M Abordo, ADB Leakey. 2013. Replacing generic parameterizations
of stomatal function in temperature trees with species-specific functions allows modeling to
resolve interspecific variation in carbon and water flux. The 16th Annual International
Congress on Photosynthesis. St. Louis, MO.

7. Reed SC, RA Fisher, KK Coe, TM Wertin, JP Sparks, J Belnap. 2012. Climate change
effects on biological soil crusts: What should we expect for future biocrust structure and
function? The Ecological Society of America 98th Annual Meeting. Minneapolis, MN.

8. Teskey RO, I Bauweraerts, M Ameye, TM Wertin, MA McGuire, K Steppe. 2012. Effects

of repeated heat waves, elevated [CO2] and low water availability on growth of Quercus
rubra and Pinus taeda seedlings. The Ecological Society of America 98th Annual Meeting.
Minneapolis, MN.

9. Wertin TM, SC Reed, J Belnap. 2012. Increased temperature negatively affects carbon
assimilation and growth of Achantherum hymenoides bunchgrass. The Ecological Society of
America 97th Annual Meeting. Portland, OR.

10. Teskey RO, I Bauweraerts, TM Wertin, M Ameye, MA McGuire, K Steppe. 2012. Impact
of heatwaves, drought stress and elevated CO2 on northern red oak seedlings. The Ecological
Society of America 97th Annual Meeting. Portland, OR.

11. Wertin TM, J Belnap, S Phillips, SC Reed. 2011. The potential effects of global change on
biological soil crusts. The Ecological Society of America 96th Annual Meeting. Austin, TX.

12. McGuire, MA, TM Wertin, RO Teskey. 2010. Response of biomass accumulation of two
hardwood tree species to elevated atmospheric [CO2] and air temperature at two sites in
Georgia, USA. The Ecological Society of America 95th Annual Meeting. Pittsburgh, PA.

13. Cerasoli S, TM Wertin, MA McGuire, DP Aubrey, RO Teskey. 2009. The effects of short
term temperature fluctuations on carbon balance and growth in poplar saplings. The
Ecological Society of America 94th Annual Meeting. Albuquerque, NM.

14. Wertin TM, RO Teskey. 2008. Close coupling of photosynthesis, carbohydrate content, and
whole plant respiration. The Ecological Society of America 93rg Annual Meeting.
Milwaukee, WI.
15. Hoyos ME, TM Wertin, L Palmieri, J Polacco. 2001. Identification and Characterization of
Plant Mitochondrial Arginine Transporters. 12th International Plant Membrane Biology
Workshop. Madison, WI.

Teaching Experience:
Spring 2018 1 lecture in Plants and Global Change (SIB 440) Impact of temperature on
agronomic crops and forest ecosystems with 80 students
Fall 2016 1 lecture in Environmental Plant Physiology (IB 542) on stomatal conductance
with 20 students
Spring 2016 50% of Environmental Biology (IB 105) with 95 students
Spring 2015 33% of Foundations in Scientific Research Skills (IB 299) with 5 students
Spring 2015 33% of Foundations in Scientific Research Skills (IB 299) with 3 students
Fall 2013 1 lecture in Plants and Global Change (IB107) with 66 students
Fall 2008 1 lecture in Forest Ecology (FORS 3020) with approximately 45 students
Fall 2007 Teacher assistant in Forest Ecology (FORS 3020) with approximately 45 students

Mentoring Experience:
James Berry (University of Illinois, 2017) – Jim is exploring the interplay between stomatal
density, stomatal complex size and conductance in maize across a diverse population.

Cecilia Pigozzi (University of Illinois, 2016 & 2017) – Cecilia is assisting with a meta-analysis
on the role of nitrogen limitation of agricultural crops grown in elevated CO2.

Dan Xie (University of Illinois & Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University; 2015) – A visiting
undergraduate student participating in a study abroad program, Dan and I are conducting
a project investigating the genetic control of stomatal patterning in a model C4 grass,
Setaria.

Jessica Melcrone (University of Illinois, 2013 & 2014) – Jess is assisting with a project
investigating the sustainability of woody feedstocks for biofuel production and is focused
on analyzing fine root growth and turn over.

Adrian Wiegman (University of Illinois & State University of New York – Syracuse; 2013) –
Mentored Adrian in a field study measuring water use and fine root turnover in coppiced
willows grown for biofuel production.

Kevin Wolz & Mark Abordo (University of Illinois; 2012) – Taught two undergraduate students
how to make leaf level physiological measurements and assisted in data analysis and
synthesis, as well as in publication preparation. The project was focused on species-
specific parameterization of the Ball-Berry stomatal conductance model.

Kristina Young (USGS; 2012) – Helped develop a project investigating the coupling of
photosynthesis, soil respiration and soil nutrient status in an arid shrub and grass. Taught
Kristina how to develop a research objective and formulate hypothesis, as well as design
and implement an experiment. Currently working with Kristina to publish the results.

USGS (2010 – 2012) – Mentored 10 research assistance in community ecology and plant
physiology.
Ingvar Bauweraets and Maarten Ameye (University of Georgia; 2010) – Visiting Masters level
students from Ghent University. Assisted in designing an experiment and conducting
measurements investing the effects heatwaves on loblolly pine and northern Red Oak
growth. Also assisted analyzing and publishing data.

Tim Mannaerts and Lorenz Maeire (University of Georgia; 2009) – Visiting Masters level
students from Ghent University. Assisted in designing an experiment and conducting
measurements investing the effects of elevated temperature and CO2 on loblolly pine
growth. Also assisted analyzing and publishing data.

Professional Activities:
2016 Grant reviewer for FWO
2007- 2017 Peer reviewer for numerous journals including: American Journal of
Undergraduate Research, Annals of Botany, Canadian Journal of Forest Research,
Global Climate Change, Environments, Forests, Journal of Plant Physiology,
Plant Biology, Plant Cell and Environment, Plant Ecology and Diversity, Plant
Physiology, PLOS One, Science of the Total Environment, Tree Physiology,
Water.
2016 Judge of graduate student presentation competition for the University of Illinois
Department of Plant Biology symposium
2015 Judge of graduate student presentation competition for the University of Illinois
Department of Plant Biology symposium
2014 Judge of graduate student presentation competition at American Geophysical
Society Annual meeting
2013 Judge of graduate student presentation competition at American Geophysical
Society Annual meeting
2010 Judge of graduate student presentation competition at Ecological Society of
America Annual meeting
2010 Moderator of an Oral session at the Ecological Society of America Annual
Meeting
2009 Moderator of an Oral session at the Ecological Society of America Annual
Meeting

Membership in Professional Societies and Associations:

American Geophysical Union
Ecological Society of America
Xi Sigma Pi Forestry Honor Society

Outreach:
2017 Genome Day – Exhibit organizer: created activity to demonstrate biofuel potential
and teach children how cellulose can be converted to sugar and sugar to ethanol
2017 Discussion panel with undergraduates about the graduate student experience and
future research opportunities
2016 Genome Day – Exhibit organizer: created activity to demonstrate plasticity in
stomata characteristics and potential targets for genetic modifications to improve
water use in crops.
2016 Building with Biology: Bio Bistro volunteer activity teaching children about
synthetic biology and learning about current and future GMO food sources.
2016 Discussion panel with undergraduates about the graduate student experience and
future research opportunities
2015 Genome Day – Exhibit organizer: created activity to demonstrate plant plasticity
among species in response to stresses.
2015 Helped organize Institute for Genomic Biology Postdoc Career Fair focused on
developing career plan to accomplish career goals.
2015 St. Elmo Brady STEM Academy: created activity to demonstrate how plants
respond to environmental stress.
2015 Genome Day – Exhibit organizer: created activity to demonstrate plant plasticity
and genetic control of plants to abiotic stresses.
2015 Discussion panel with undergraduates about the graduate student experience and
future research opportunities
2014 Genome Day – Exhibit organizer, created activities to explain how plants can be
used as biofuel feedstocks
2013 Genome Day – Exhibit organizer, created activities to explain natural variation in
plants and how we can utilize the variation to select for desirable traits.
2012 Genome Day – Exhibit organizer, created activities to explain how plant
acclimation to growing conditions
2011 & 2012 Scientific outreach on dryland ecology – led tours of research sites and explained
USGS research to visiting scientists and the public.
2011 Community outreach on USGS science in arid ecosystems; presented USGS
station aims and research projects, as well as relevant findings, to local residents.
The aim was to better inform the public of ongoing research in and around
sensitive areas such as Arches National Park.
2009 & 2010 Boy Scouts of America Advance-a-Rama Forestry Section Instructor
 Timothy M. Wertin – References
Andrew D.B. Leakey
Associate Professor of Plant Biology
Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
University of Illinois
1402 W. Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61820
217-244-0302
leakey@illinois.edu

Sasha C. Reed
Research Ecologist
U.S. Geological Survey
2290 S. West Resource Blvd
Moab, UT 84532
435-210-4824
screed@usgs.gov

Elizabeth Ainsworth
Associate Professor of Plant Biology
USDA-ARS Photosynthesis Research Unit
University of Illinois
147 Edward R. Madigan Laboratory MC-051
217-265-9887
ainswort@life.illinois.edu

Carl Bernacchi
Associate Professor of Plant Biology
Department of Plant Biology
University of Illinois
193 Edward R. Madigan Laboratory MC-051
217-333-8048
bernacch@illinois.edu

Robert O. Teskey
Distinguished Research Professor of Forestry Emeritus
Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30606
706-542-5055
rteskey@uga.edu