Mississippi State University · Biological Sciences

Speciation
Pollination
Evolution
Conservation
Penstemon

We use genomic, phenotypic, and ecological data to understand adaptation, speciation, and convergent evolution, mainly in the emerging model plant genus Penstemon.

See the research Join the lab

Foreground: Penstemon davidsonii
Background: Penstemon newberryi + hybrids

01 — What we study

Research

Full research page →

I.

Speciation & Reproductive isolation

How reproductive barriers form and break down between closely related lineages, often through the use of hybrid zones.

II.

Floral evolution & Pollination biology

How floral traits evolve in response to pollinators, and how ecological interactions shape phenotypic and genomic divergence.

III.

Phylogeography & Conservation genetics

Using genetic variation to reconstruct biogeographic history, population structure, and the processes shaping diversity across landscapes.

Penstemon wasp (Pseudomasaris vespoides) on P. davidsonii var. praeteritus

P. rupicola in bloom at Crater Lake

P. dissectus

Crater Lake

PhD student Sara Wuerstl collecting P. dissectus

P. newberryi x P. davidsonii hybrid at Virginia Lakes

P. newberryi at Gem Lakes

View from atop Virginia Lakes Trail

A wasp resting inside of a P. laevis flower

P. newberryi x P. davidsonii hybrid from Gem Lakes

P. davidsonii at Mono Pass

Mono Pass

Ground squirrel standing in front of P. davidsonii

Inflorescence of P. palmeri

P. dissectus

P. davidsonii at Virginia Lakes

Ruby Lake

We combine wet lab and bioinformatic approaches with a heavy dose of fieldwork.

02 — The lab

People

Meet everyone →

Ben Stone, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Sara Wuerstl

Samuel Earnest

Currently recruiting M.S. and Ph.D. students. Interested in evolutionary genomics, plant systematics, or conservation biology? Get in touch.

03 — On iNaturalist

Recent Identifications

Full profile →

Loading…