Research Projects
My scholarship spans two primary areas: plant evolutionary genetics and ecology and biology education research. A complete list of my publications is available on my Google Scholar profile.
Plant Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology
My biological research focuses broadly on how plants adapt to changing and stressful environments. I use approaches from ecology, evolution, genetics, and genomics to investigate both the mechanisms underlying adaptive traits and the evolutionary potential of populations to respond to environmental change.
My research has included quantitative and ecological genetics, breeding experiments, statistical genetics, genomics, and genome mapping across a variety of plant systems. Projects have examined the evolutionary potential of weediness using common morning glory as a model; structural variation and comparative genomics in cotton; orphan crop genomics; climate adaptation and ecological genetics in sagebrush; and ecological genetics and genomics in aspen.
I am particularly interested in research that connects genetic variation, phenotype, and environment to better understand how organisms respond to ecological change.
Biology Education Research
My second area of scholarship focuses on undergraduate biology teaching and learning. I am interested in evidence-based teaching practices, collaborative learning, assessment, and how course design and instructional strategies influence student learning and engagement.
I have participated in CC Bio INSITES, a network of community college biology faculty engaged in biology education research, and have presented research examining collaborative assessment and group exams in introductory biology.
I also involve undergraduate students in authentic research experiences. Projects have included using CRISPR gene editing to investigate pigmentation in painted lady butterflies, providing students opportunities to participate in experimental design, molecular biology, data collection, and scientific communication. This work was featured in the Snow College Alumni Magazine.
Plant Evolutionary Genetics and Ecology
My biological research focuses broadly on how plants adapt to changing and stressful environments. I use approaches from ecology, evolution, genetics, and genomics to investigate both the mechanisms underlying adaptive traits and the evolutionary potential of populations to respond to environmental change.
My research has included quantitative and ecological genetics, breeding experiments, statistical genetics, genomics, and genome mapping across a variety of plant systems. Projects have examined the evolutionary potential of weediness using common morning glory as a model; structural variation and comparative genomics in cotton; orphan crop genomics; climate adaptation and ecological genetics in sagebrush; and ecological genetics and genomics in aspen.
I am particularly interested in research that connects genetic variation, phenotype, and environment to better understand how organisms respond to ecological change.
Biology Education Research
My second area of scholarship focuses on undergraduate biology teaching and learning. I am interested in evidence-based teaching practices, collaborative learning, assessment, and how course design and instructional strategies influence student learning and engagement.
I have participated in CC Bio INSITES, a network of community college biology faculty engaged in biology education research, and have presented research examining collaborative assessment and group exams in introductory biology.
I also involve undergraduate students in authentic research experiences. Projects have included using CRISPR gene editing to investigate pigmentation in painted lady butterflies, providing students opportunities to participate in experimental design, molecular biology, data collection, and scientific communication. This work was featured in the Snow College Alumni Magazine.
