Researchers

My primary research focus is discovering the phylogenetic history of plant lineages and using this knowledge as a basis for investigating the evolution of adaptations, especially those involving coevolution with insects. I’m particularly interested in the evolution of pollination systems and plant defenses and work primarily with milkweeds (Apocynaceae subfam. Asclepiadoideae). My interests include investigating the patterns and causes of biogeographic distributions and the assembly of floras. These interests all have a strong geographical focus on subtropical and warm temperate regions of North America, particularly arid lands in Mexico and the US. I received a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona and am currently a faculty member in the Botany Department at Oklahoma State University where I am Director of the Herbarium.