Research:

My general research interests include the systematics of the economically important plant genera Rubus, which includesblackberries and raspberries, and Mentha, including spearmint and peppermint. These groups have long been considered taxonomically difficult due in part to polyploidy (more than two sets of chromosomes), agamospermy (asexual seed production) in Rubus, and hybridization. I primarily use molecular techniques, in particular DNA sequencing, to address evolutionary biology questions. These data can be used, for example, to infer evolutionary relationships (phylogeny reconstruction), test hypotheses of hybridization, examine biogeographic patterns, and consider modes of speciation especially in polyploid taxa. I am also interested in systematics of subfamily Rosoideae and the Rose family (Rosaceae), tribe Mentheae of the mint family (Lamiaceae), and subfamily Chloridoideae of the grass family (Poaceae).

Current Research Projects:

Kentucky Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (KBRIN) -
 "Molecular Systematics of Mints (Mentha; Lamiaceae)"

Natalina Elliott - Hybrid origins of M. canadensis and M. spicata
Kate Hertweck - Species circumscription of M. longifolia
Elizabeth Sproles - Phylogeny of Mentha

National Science Foundation - "RUI: Molecular Phylogenetics and
Allopolyploidization in Rubus (Rosaceae)"

Michael Dodson - Phylogeny of Rubus
Ashley Stoker - Phylogeny of Rubus
Brittany Sutherland - Origin of the Rubus ursinus polyploid complex
Nathan Woolen - Phylogeny of Rubus

Courses I Teach:

BIOL 120 - BIOLOGICAL CONCEPTS

BIOL 222 - GENERAL BOTANY

BIOL 223 - GENERAL BOTANY LABORATORY

BIOL 348 - PLANT TAXONOMY

BIOL 522 - SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION