Efforts in this lab are currently focused on the effects of population size and habitat structure on genetic variation and fitness of Wild Blue Lupine (Lupinus perennis) in the Oak Openings region of northwestern Ohio. This research is conducted in colaboration with Randy Mitchell's lab at the University of Akron. Lupinus perennis (Fabaceae), the perennial lupine, is an important plant of the oak openings habitat around Lake Erie. Aside from its beauty, it provides an important floral resource for native bumble bees and solitary bees, and is a host plant for several rare and endangered butterflies, including the Karner Blue, the Persius Dusky Wing, and Frosted Elfin.

In addition to our current studies with Lupine, our lab is also interested in Molecular evolution, molecular systematics, conservation biology, the evolution and ecology of plant mating systems, plant physiological and evolutionary ecology, DNA fingerprinting and conservation genetics.

Please browse this website to learn more about our current and past research and our lab members.

Dept of Biological Sciences