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The Donovan lab investigates plant evolutionary
ecophysiological, 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. Our current
study system is primarily a suite of Helianthus species, due to their
wide-ranging ecology and available genetic and genomic tools. However, we also include other species from
a variety of habitats (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 when appropriate. 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 are now receiving and evaluating applications for our
graduate program for fall 2010 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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