By studying phenotypic plasticity in Mimulus laciniatus, I explore how environmental factors influence the expression of genetic traits. This research sheds light on how plasticity contributes to plant growth, development, and survival across diverse environments. By uncovering these mechanisms, I aim to better understand the role of plasticity in natural selection across generations.
I also focus on how plants adapt to varying environmental conditions and examine how genetic variation drives the evolution of traits that are better suited to specific habitats. Through field studies, I aim to uncover how selection acts on certain traits in response to ecological pressures, such as changes in elevation, water availability, or temperature. This work provides valuable insights into the processes that shape plant populations over time and their ability to thrive in diverse environments.
Genomics plays a central role in my research, investigating the genetic basis of phenotypic plasticity and adaptation in M. laciniatus. By leveraging genomic tools and sequencing technologies, I examine how genetic variation influences trait expression in response to environmental changes. I aim to analyze the genetic mechanisms underlying plastic responses.
Research
My research investigates how environmental factors influence genetic variation and adaptation, with a focus on phenotypic plasticity in Mimulus laciniatus. By combining fieldwork, greenhouse, and genomic approaches, I explore how traits like leaf shape evolve in response to diverse ecological conditions, offering insights into the role of plasticity in plant evolution.
Phenotypic plasticity
Local adaptation
