Dissertation title:

Evolutionary development of mating systems in the basal angiosperm family Cabombaceae (Nymphaeales)

Ph.D. expected: 2010

Major advisor: Dr. Joe Williams

Research interests:

My research interests are in plant reproductive development, specifically gametophyte development and pollination biology.  For my dissertation, I am exploring how transitions in pollination biology affect post-pollination processes, including pollen tube development and mating systems in the water lily family Cabombaceae (Brasenia, Cabomba).  I am conducting comparative studies of progamic phase development and population genetics in order to elucidate what determines the pattern of mating in these genera.  I am exploring how mating system has been impacted by a shift to abiotic pollination in the genus Brasenia, which will add to our understanding of the role of mating system and progamic phase evolution in the diversification of flowering plants. I am also conducting investigations of female gametophyte and embryo development in Brasenia