Research in our lab focuses on population genetics, the genetic basis of adaptation, and phylogenetic systematics of plant groups at the tips of the tree of life (genera and species).

Currently, there are several major research areas in lab:

1. Evolution of agricultural weeds in California’s Central Valley, including Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri), and waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus). Our research includes investigating the genetic basis of herbicide resistance, as well as population genomics to trace the origin of weedy populations. See related Perspective in Science: https://www.science.org/stoken/author-tokens/ST-904/full
2. Population genetics, phylogenetics, and taxonomy of native California species such as Fritillaria pinetorum and Fritillaria atropurpurea.
3. Digitization of specimens from the Fresno State Herbarium as part of a large collaborative NSF grant, to study phenological changes in the California flora over time.