My main research interest is utilizing biochemical methods to further expand research in genotypic plant traits resistant to the effects of climate change, such as extreme drought. Plant´s transpiration is key trait influencing crop yield in multiple stressful conditions such as drought. However, plant transpiration is a very difficult trait to measure in field settings, making it almost impossible the breeding process for this trait. My summer research project focuses on studying the relationship between natural oxygen isotope discrimination (OID) and transpiration, to evaluate if OID can be an appropriate surrogate measure to estimate transpiration in the field. In addition, I will study the physiological and biochemical traits that regulate transpiration in soybean. To carry out this research we will grow 4 soybean genotypes that differ in its oxygen isotope discrimination signature (analyzed in previous experiment carried out by the Dr. Fritschi Lab) and grow them in pots where water lost through transpiration is measured continuously. In order to discover the traits that are behind variant transpiration among the 4 soybean genotypes, I plan to measure photosynthetic gas exchange, leaf area, and stem flow, all while taking continuous weight measurements of each plant under well watered and water stress conditions. Additionally, stomatal prints will be taken for further microscope analysis. Although heavily influenced by crop physiology, my goal is to analyze the data from a biochemical perspective to gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between genotypic oxygen isotope discrimination and water use efficiency.