Principal Investigator
Dr. Katherine Waselkov, Associate Professor
I am a plant systematist and population geneticist, with broad training in evolution, ecology, and population biology. During graduate school, my research interests crystallized around the idea that very common plants are both intriguing theoretically and understudied by evolutionary biologists. In particular, I developed a fondness for the genus Amaranthus (pigweeds) that continues to the present day. The tractability of such weedy systems has been an additional benefit for involving undergraduate students in research.
See my CV and my ResearchGate profile.
Recent Perspective in Science: https://www.science.org/stoken/author-tokens/ST-904/full
Graduate Students
Andy Cabrera
My project is about the Wyoming endemic species Phlox pungens and identifying where the Ross Butte morph fits taxonomically within the context of P. pungens overall, and its potential implications for its conservation status! This has involved traveling to Wyoming for specimens collection, and I am currently progressing with DNA extraction in preparation for ddRAD-seq. Previously, I worked on using a large sample of species from across the plant genus Amaranthus to reconstruct a phylogeny using whole genome sequences, and then test theoretical predictions about the repeated evolution of agricultural weeds in this group. After graduation, I want to pursue a PhD. and become a professor in California. I want to increase the accessibility of research for minorities within our colleges and universities.
Manasvi Singh
I am a Master’s student in Biotechnology at CSU Fresno specializing in weed science and herbicide-tolerant plants. With a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from India and internships in academic and industrial settings, I have a strong foundation in the field. My research at CSU Fresno focuses on developing innovative solutions to enhance crop resilience and promote sustainable agriculture. I am passionate about addressing challenges in plant science and eager to contribute to advancements in the field.
Jennifer Valdez-Herrera
I am an MS student in Plant Biology (Jordan College of Agriculture), researching whether herbicide-resistant common chickweed (Stellaria media) is likely to become a problem for small grains growers in the southern Central Valley. I am working in the lab, conducting DNA extractions, PCR amplifications, and using the software Geneious Prime to analyze gene sequences. These genetic methods will allow me to determine if the Central Valley common chickweed populations have evolved resistance mutations to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibiting herbicides. After receiving my Master’s in Plant Science, I hope to become a weed scientist.
Undergraduate Students
Tess Aaron
My name is Tess Aaron! I am a third-year biology undergraduate student, focusing my studies on wildlife biology and ecology. My research activities consist of herbarium specimen imaging, DNA extractions, and seed bulking. After I obtain my B.S. Degree, I hope to eventually work in conservation or research, especially with regard to native plants!
Jose Camarena
Luis Figueroa Hernandez
My name is Luis, I’m majoring in Biology and minoring in Deaf Studies and Spanish Translation and Interpreting. Throughout my time in lab, I’ve contributed to the herbarium specimen data collection and am currently working on Amaranthus projects consisting of germination, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and PCR with the aim of furthering phylogenetic reconstruction. I hope to advance my knowledge and interests in biology, evolution, and ethnobotany as I continue to participate in Dr. Waselkov’s laboratory.
Andrea Laine
My name is Andrea, and I’m currently a senior at Fresno State majoring in Biology. I’m currently helping image and process specimens for the Three Rivers Herbarium, located within Sequoia National Park. After imaging and processing, I also help enter metadata for the specimens into the CCH2 database. After graduation, I hope to attend medical school and eventually return to the Central Valley to serve my community.
Madison Zink
My name is Maddy and I am currently a second-year biology undergraduate. My next project will delve into the possible herbicide resistance of certain weed species, of which I will extract DNA, run PCR amplifications, and analyze the genetic sequences of said weeds to determine whether or not they have the genes necessary for herbicide resistance. Until then, I spend most of my time helping out where it is needed and expanding my knowledge base. I am ecstatic to grow my love for plants and use the skills I acquire in this lab for my future career path in forensic pathology!
Lab Alumni
The Waselkov Lab 