Phys-Fest 5
June 21-26, 2026
Our host:
University of Pennsylvania
Phys-Fest 5 will take place at the University of Pennsylvania campus -- our first urban Phys Fest! The campus is situated in downtown Philadelphia, and it is a green space within a modern metropolitan area.
Our local host will be Dr. Brent Helliker.
Accommodations will be at one of the dormitories located on the UPenn campus. Each participant will have a private bedroom with a shared common space and bathroom between rooms. Blankets will be provided, but participants will need to bring linens and a towel (these are available from the university, but for a $125 fee for the week). More information about accommodations will be provided to participants as the event gets closer.
Travel logistics:
Travel to Phys-fest 5 is via the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) -- from the airport, participants will take the SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) metro system to UPenn campus (<30 minute trip). Specific travel directions (train lines, stops, etc.) will be provided to participants.
Students and post-docs will receive a $400 travel voucher to offset travel expenses, and accommodation expenses will be covered. Most meals and drinks will be provided for all participants during the workshop. We strive for there to be very minimal (or no) cost associated with attending this workshop for participants.
Research Sub-Groups
Student participants will be divided into four groups. There will be four training sessions -- in each session, student groups will have a focal research topic (described below) to learn theory, technique, and application.
1
Gas exchange and fluorescence
Leaf gas exchange is a fundamental measurement for plant ecophysiologists. While less commonly performed, leaf fluorescence measurements provide complementary information on physiological health and the activity of photosystems. This group will showcase the why, how, when and where of leaf photosynthesis measurements.
Group leaders: Doug Lynch, Elizabeth Gordon, & Seton Bachle (Li-COR Biosciences, Inc.)
2
Water relations
After turning sunlight into sugar, the second coolest thing about plants is their ability to passively move water long distances using tension pressures. This group will teach you the basics of water potential measurements including pressure-volume curves and osmotic potential to calculate the turgor loss point (among other variables).
Group leaders: Kate McCulloh (Wisc.) & Troy Ocheltree (CSU)
3
Thermal and hyperspectral imagery
Most animals are homeotherms, and have the ability to move around to adjust their environment. [Sigh], boring. Plants take it, and they like it! We can measure changes in leaf temperature and leaf reflectance to understand stress, growth, activity, and leaf traits as a function of climate, location, phenology, and phylogeny. And the best part is how much data you can collect. Hello instant dissertation!
Group leaders: Bill Hammond (Univ. Florida) and Dan Griffith (Stony Brook)
4
Environmental Sensors
It's hard to assess plant responses to the environment if you don't ever characterize changes in the environment. With that noted, programing data loggers, knowing which sensors are needed, how to install them, how frequently to collect data, and then how to process all this information is overwhelming. Fear not padawans, this group will showcase sensor installation, programming, and data compilation and interpretation. Prepare to drown in data.
Group leaders: Chris Chambers (Meter, Inc.)
Itinerary
Morning / Afternoon: Shuttles arrive from the airport; get checked in to your housing. No formal lunch provided, but snacks will be available if needed.
Dinner
Evening: Welcome event with Phys-Fest coordinators and other participants; overview of the Phys Fest 5 schedule
SUNDAY (6/21)
Breakfast
Morning: Fieldwork / lab work activities with research groups (training session #1)
Lunch
Afternoon: Fieldwork / lab work activities with research groups (training session #2)
Dinner
Evening: Free -- relax / explore Philly
MONDAY (6/22)
Breakfast
Morning: Fieldwork / lab work activities with research groups (training session #3)
Lunch
Afternoon: Fieldwork / lab work activities with research groups (training session #4)
Dinner
Evening: Career panel! We'll hear from folks in industry, academic, government, and non-profit positions / Plan for small group data collection
TUESDAY (6/23)
Breakfast
Morning: Small group data collection / projects
Lunch
Afternoon: Urban ecology fieldtrip in Philly! Urban gardens, green spaces, etc. -- end with ice cream
Dinner
Evening: Free -- relax / explore Philly
WEDNESDAY (6/24)
Breakfast
Morning: Small group data collection / projects
Lunch
Afternoon: Ecophys scavenger hunt! Prizes involved...
Dinner
Evening: Group project presentations / closing award ceremony
THURSDAY (6/25)
Breakfast
Morning: Pack up equipment / leave for the airport