Polyploidy and Genome Evolution

Polyploidy, or whole genome duplication, occurs throughout the eukaryotic tree of life. Plants, and especially angiosperms, exhibit an exceptionally high rate of WGD and it has undeniably shaped their evolution. The impact of polyploid on genome evolution, species diversity, and evolutionary innovation is a common theme across much of my research.

Allopolyploidy, the hybridization and genome doubling of two species, represents a unique combination of potential heterotic effects and duplicate gene networks.

Parallel Evolution of Xeric Adaptation

Genomic Consequences of Native-Invasive Hybridization in Southeastern US Flora