"I studied Botany at the University of Oklahoma, receiving my B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. there. During my graduate work I became fascinated by sexual reproduction in flowering plants. I studied gamete biology in rice during my master's (with Dr. Scott Russell) and cell-cell communication pathways regulating the final stages of sperm cell delivery, a process called pollen tube reception, in Arabidopsis during my Ph.D. (with Dr. Sharon Kessler). I then joined Dr. Zack Nimchuk's lab at The University of North Carolina where I was an NSF Postdoctoral Fellow funded through the Plant Genome Research Project (PGRP). At UNC, I worked on stem cell signaling during reproductive development in both Arabidopsis and sunflower. This work led to my broad interest in understanding how conserved cell signaling pathways have been modified during evolution to regulate development of distinct inflorescence morphologies."

Plant Developmental Biologist | Husband and Dad | Baseball fan (Chicago Cubs) | Oklahoman (Okie) | loves all things plant 

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"I am a Botanist and a fresh postdoc at the capitulab. I received my undergrad (B.Sc.) and master’s (B.Sc.) degree in Botany from the University of Delhi, India. I then pursued Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut in the labs of Dr. Pamela Diggle and Dr. Yaowu Yuan. My Ph.D. work was focused on identifying the genetic and cellular processes involved in the diversification and formation of corolla tubes in Mimulus, monkeyflowers. As a postdoc at the capitulab, my goal would be to contribute genetic evidence pertaining to the evolution of Capitulum, a key morphological innovation in Asteraceae. Despite the importance of Capitulum in Asteraceae diversification, we know little about the genetic basis of their development. To fill this knowledge gap, my aim would be to elucidate the suite of genes involved in meristem expansion, a crucial process thought to be involved in capitulum evolution and development."

Botanist | Potter- & Mayerhead | love fiction | Cooking enthusiast (mostly Indian) | Chai-o-holic (not tea latte!) | Quantum physics and spirituality

“I found my passion for plants at the University of Oklahoma where I received my B.S. in Plant Biology. My first research position focused on light signaling in early plant development using Arabidopsis. Through studying plants, I’ve developed an appreciation for all forms of life and the ways in which they evolve. I even briefly worked in a diabetes lab culturing primary human hepatocytes to study the effects of trauma on the liver. However, plants remain the most fascinating to me. The diversity in Asteraceae capitula is a wonderful example of evolutionary variations on a theme.”

Graduate Research Assistant | Rock Climber | Hiking and Camping Enthusiast | Planted Aquarium Nerd | House Plant Fanatic

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“I graduated from Auburn University with my B.S. in Conservation Biology. Before that I thought that I wanted to study veterinary medicine, and while I love animals, studying plants has become a much greater passion of mine. During undergrad I worked in Dr. Aaron Rashotte’s lab studying Cytokinin Response Factors in Arabidopsis as well as briefly looking at Live Oak senescence. I have realized that part of why I love research so much is being able to apply what I learn to the conservation of different plant species. I am so excited to learn even more about Asteraceae!”

PhD Student | Hiker and Kayaker | Very Amateur at both Yoga and Roller skating | Outdoor Lover | Carpenter with Assistance (so I can make more plant shelves)

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"I am a senior at Auburn University, majoring in biomedical sciences with a minor in anthropology. I have loved plants and sunflowers for as long as I can remember, and have developed a passion for genetics during my college education, so I am extremely fortunate to be able to work alongside so many intelligent individuals in the lab, learn from them, and learn more about plants! This is the first research lab I have worked in, and I am excited to see where this takes me!"

Graduate Research Assistant | Plant mom | Yoga Aficionado | Optimist | Cincinnatian

"I grew up in Colombia and received my B.S in Biology at Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA) in 2020. While there, I joined the Plant Evo-Devo lab where I developed my undergraduate thesis on R2R3-MYB genes associated with floral pigment regulation in the Aristolochiaceae family. In 2023 I received my Masters degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut. At UConn, I joined the Mimulus lab where I studied the development and regulation of the vein-associated pattern in Mimulus pictus flowers. In the fall of 2023, I joined the Capitulab at Auburn University where I am excited to explore the diversity in morphology and development of Asteraceae capitula!"

PhD Student | Plant enthusiast | Cat lover | Wonky pottery maker | Se habla español

“I am a Senior studying Environmental Sciences with a concentration in conservation biology. I have always loved plants and knew I was interested in environmental protection and the research behind studying and protecting endangered species, which led me to the CapituLab. I am excited to become a master of Asters!”

Undergraduate Research Assistant | Ultimate Frisbee Fanatic | Field Frolicker | Silly Goose |

"I am a rising junior studying genetics at Auburn University. I have specific interests in genetically modified organisms used for agricultural purposes. Although I have been in a few labs now, this is the first lab where I will be able to focus on topics so closely suited to my field of study and interests. I am so excited to be working with the Asteraceae genomes with the CapituLab."

Undergraduate Research Assistant | Avid Hiker | Professional Traveler | Gecko Parent

"Hello! I am graduating in Fall 2023 with my B.S. in conservation biology. I love flora and fauna in equal measure, and I love to learn all I can about them! The Capitulab is by far the best lab experience I have had while at Auburn, and I am excited to be a part of it! I am currently working on adventitious rooting responses to hormones and transformation through agrobacteria inoculation with our Bidens species."

Jack-of-all-trades / “It’s close enough to walk.” guy / serial hair dye user