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The
Donovan lab investigates plant evolutionary ecophysiology, with an emphasis
on stress and resource use traits as they relate to plant
performance. We examine ecological and evolutionary responses to
growth limiting factors (e.g. water and nutrient limitations, salinity, and
competition) in a number of plant systems. These include plants from
desert and coastal sand dunes, saline desert playas and coastal salt
marshes, and Great Basin shrub steppe, as well as model plants such as
Arabidopsis and commercial sunflowers. 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. Please see the RESEARCH page for descriptions of
individual projects.
We
have finished recruiting new graduate students for fall 2008, but it is not
too early to start inquiries for fall 2009 admission. We
have strong programs in ecology and evolution, and several options for
student support. If you are
potentially interested, please contact Lisa Donovan and other faculty to
discuss research areas and funding opportunities.
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