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Chase Mason
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Education
B.S. Zoology, minor in Botany, University of Florida 2009
Research Interests
My current research interests involve questions of physiological adaptation and convergent/divergent evolution, focusing on the Helianthus genus. I am principally interested in functional leaf trait trade-offs, and how leaf trait relationships vary among closely related species in response to contrasting habitats. I am primarily using the phylogenetic comparative approach to answer such questions, specifically to parse out the relative effects of adaptation and evolutionary baggage. I am also interested in population genetics, specifically how disturbance and range size affects diversity and genetic structure in imperiled endemic species relative to common congeners.
Grant Support
- Innovative and Interdisciplinary Research Grant, University of Georgia, 2012
- Rosemary Grant Student Research Award, Society for the Study of Evolution, 2011
Of Note
- Rosemary Grant Student Research Award, Society for the Study of Evolution, 2011
- New Phytologist Poster Award, ESA Physiological Ecology Section, 2011
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Honorable Mention, 2011
- Graduate School Assistantship, University of Georgia, 2009-2011
Major Professor
Lisa A. Donovan
Professor
The Donovan lab investigates plant evolutionary ecophysiology, with an emphasis on resource use and stress tolerance traits as they relate to plant performance. We examine ecological and evolutionary responses to growth limiting factors (e.g. water and nutrient limitations, drought, and salinity). Our current study system is primarily a suite of Helianthus species, due to their wide-ranging ecology and available genetic and genomic tools. In general, we want to know how individual plant traits affect plant fitness and distribution, and how these traits evolve. To address these questions, we use a combination of ecological, ecophysiological, evolutionary genetic and genomic approaches. Prospective students with an interest in functional ecology, evolution, and genomics of plant traits are encouraged to apply.
Of Note
- Rosemary Grant Student Research Award, Society for the Study of Evolution, 2011
- New Phytologist Poster Award, ESA Physiological Ecology Section, 2011
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Honorable Mention, 2011
- Graduate School Assistantship, University of Georgia, 2009-2011