Nishanta Rajakaruna
Biological Sciences Department
California Polytechnic State University
One Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Office: 33-367; Lab: 33-355 A
Phone: 805.756.2836
Fax: 805.756.1419
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I am a Professor of Plant Biology in the Department of Biological Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. My research examines the ecological and evolutionary consequences of extreme edaphic (soil) conditions, with particular emphasis on serpentine and other chemically and physically challenging substrates. My work integrates plant ecology, systematics, evolution, and geobotany to understand how soil chemistry influences species diversity, community assembly, and adaptation, with applications in conservation, restoration, and phytotechnologies.
I received my undergraduate degree from the College of the Atlantic and my M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Botany from the University of British Columbia, where I conducted research on the evolutionary ecology of the Californian endemic annual Lasthenia californica (Asteraceae). I completed postdoctoral research in the Department of Biological Sciences at Stanford University as a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Postdoctoral Fellow.
Prior to joining Cal Poly in 2017, I served as Professor of Botany at the College of the Atlantic (2004-2008; 2010-2016) and Assistant Professor in Plant Biology at San José State University (2008-2010). I am a two-time Fulbright U.S. Scholar, having conducted research at the Institute of Fundamental Studies in Kandy, Sri Lanka, and at the Unit of Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa. I currently hold an adjunct research appointment (Extraordinary Professor) at North-West University.
At Cal Poly, I serve as the Coordinator of the Office of National and International Fellowships and Scholarships (NIFS), where I support students in applying for competitive undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, as well as international study and professional experiences. I am also an alumnus of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Alumni Ambassador Program and continue to engage with the global Fulbright community in support of international education and scholarly exchange.
I have taught a broad range of undergraduate botany and biology courses and have mentored undergraduate- and graduate-level research resulting in numerous peer-reviewed publications. I am co-editor of Serpentine: Evolution and Ecology in a Model System (University of California Press) and Soil and Biota of Serpentine: A World View, and editor of Plant Ecology and Evolution in Harsh Environments. My research spans diverse extreme edaphic systems across multiple continents.
Outside of academic life, I enjoy hiking and walking, bird photography, travel, and exploring food and drink from around the world.
Nishanta "Nishi" Rajakaruna 