On Thursday, January 15, the Translational Data Analytics Institute (TDAI) hosted a full-day LI-COR Photosynthesis Workshop and Lab in Pomerene Hall, Room 350, bringing together researchers and students from across The Ohio State University for hands-on training in advanced plant physiology measurement techniques.

The workshop was led by Dr. Michael Belovitch, Field Application Scientist, and Jim Le Moine of LI-COR Biosciences’ sales science team. The session focused on the theory and practical application of leaf-level photosynthesis measurements using the LI-6800 Portable Photosynthesis System, introducing participants to key concepts in plant photochemistry and gas exchange and highlighting how these measurements inform understanding of photosynthetic efficiency, plant health, and environmental response.

Participants explored the use of leaf fluorescence to derive photochemical traits, gaining insight into how plants absorb, utilize, and dissipate light energy. The workshop also examined leaf-level gas exchange, including the movement of carbon dioxide and water vapor between leaves and the atmosphere and its relationship to photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration.

Using coffee seedlings provided by Dr. Darren Drewry as the study plant, attendees received guided instruction on the LI-6800 user interface, measurement protocols, and data collection workflows. Each participant constructed a CO₂ response curve to demonstrate how carbon assimilation varies with atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. The day concluded with an overview of eddy covariance methodology and the LI-720/Carbon Node system, which measures ecosystem-scale fluxes of carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Hosted by TDAI, the workshop provided valuable technical training while fostering collaboration among scientists and students across Ohio State and the broader Ohio plant research community.