Research Overview

The diversity of organisms motivates my research. I seek to understand how evolutionary processes pattern morphological diversity in monophyletic groups. Most of my research focuses on the morphological diversity of flowers, especially on the evolutionary transformations of development that modify floral form.

Phylogeny reconstruction is central to my research. I use phylogeny reconstruction in evolutionary studies to identify how morphological diversity is patterned in monophyletic groups and to elucidate the forces that modify forms. I also use phylogeny reconstructions to resolve basic systematic problems, such as circumscription issues and evolutionary relationships. I maintain a strong interest in angiosperm macrosystematics, especially of the rosid and asterid clades. My recent research on angiosperm macrosystematics has focused largely on the Cornales and the transition to the more derived clades of Asteridae.

The fundamental questions about morphological diversity that I pose in my research include the following:

  1. How is diversity patterned in monophyletic groups of organisms?
  2. What are the avenues of morphological transformation in evolutionary diversification?
  3. How have ontogenies evolved to shape particular patterns of diversity?
  4. Which evolutionary forces act upon ontogenies and morphological variation to create diversity?

My research has focused on various groups of flowering plants, although I have had a long term interest in the systematics and diversification of the Cornales families Loasaceae and Hydrangeaceae. Other groups on which I have worked and maintain an interest include Saxifragales, Gyrostemonaceae, Sarraceniaceae and Scrophulariaceae (especially Besseya).