Current Research

I am a plant ecophysiologist currently working as a post-doc at UC Santa Barbara. I am studying (along with colleagues) the correlated evolution of mating-system and water-use strategies in four native California taxa, all in the genus Clarkia.


I also continue to be interested in sexual dimorphism in dioecious (separate male and female function) plant species, including their sex-biased physiology and ecology.

Teaching

Currently, I am teaching botany for non-majors at a local city college (Santa Barbara City College).  The family atmosphere and the students have renewed my drive.  I am looking forward to diving into an academic position.
This summer, I am lucky enough to welcome a group of freshman biologists to research (at UC Santa Barbara) while teaching an introductory course.

Mentor

Undergraduate participation is vital to my research.  Undergraduates have been instrumental in keeping us on track in our current huge, multi-population, multi-generational project.  I have helped to train each cohort (one each quarter, five quarters each year, approximately totaling 15 cohorts with 10-20 students each) of undergraduates at UCSB.


In return, I have taken students to the field.
Definitely a valuable experience, but perhaps
not pleasurable given the very hot conditions
mid-summer (100's +) and sometimes difficult footing.  The field, however, is where I am really able to assess a student's strength and perseverance.


I have also helped to prepare students to give poster and powerpoint presentations at local, regional, and national events.



Students that I helped to mentor
are now at such places as  graduate school
 in Ireland, at their chosen program to become a high school teacher, transferred from a 2 year to 4 year institution.