Overview
My research centers on the evolution and diversity
of bryophytes. Current projects in the lab include
molecular phylogenetic analyses of familial and
ordinal level relationships in the arthrodontous
mosses, studies of hybridization using molecular
and morphological markers, and
investigations of cryptic speciation within
geographically widespread species. My own
particular focus (as opposed to those of post-docs
and graduate students in the lab) at present is the
genus Sphagnum (peatmosses). Ongoing research
is
grounded in phylogenetic analyses at various levels
of biological organization from populations up to
genus-wide. We utilize DNA sequence data from
the
nuclear, chloroplast, and mitochondrial genomes to
infer historical processes of biodiversification. I
have
a special interest in the genetic structure of both
rare and widespread species. Morphological and
molecular information is being used to explore
geographic patterns in phylogenetic diversity within
the peatmosses. Of particular interest are
biogeographic relationships between boreal,
tropical,
and Southern Hemisphere taxa, and between New
and Old World taxa. Our data base presently
includes nucleotide sequences from multiple loci
representing some 500-600 accessions of
peatmosses. Additional information about this
ongoing work can be found here.
The bryology laboratory is engaged in ongoing
collaborative research projects with the New York
Botanical Garden, the University of Connecticut, the
Missouri Botanical Garden, and the University of
Alberta. Additional information about these
projects
can be found here.
I serve as Curator of the Bryophyte Herbarium,
which includes approximately 230,000 collections
of
mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. The collections
represent a central resource for bryological
research
at Duke, and we are actively integrating molecular
investigations with field work and collections-
based
approaches.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Biology
·
2001 - Present
Biology,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Recent Publications
Newly identified sex chromosomes in the Sphagnum (peat moss) genome alter carbon sequestration and ecosystem dynamics.
Journal Article Nature plants · February 2023 Peatlands are crucial sinks for atmospheric carbon but are critically threatened due to warming climates. Sphagnum (peat moss) species are keystone members of peatland communities where they actively engineer hyperacidic conditions, which improves their co ... Full text CiteHabitat-adapted microbial communities mediate Sphagnum peatmoss resilience to warming.
Journal Article The New phytologist · June 2022 Sphagnum peatmosses are fundamental members of peatland ecosystems, where they contribute to the uptake and long-term storage of atmospheric carbon. Warming threatens Sphagnum mosses and is known to alter the composition of their associated microbiome. Her ... Full text CiteNovel metabolic interactions and environmental conditions mediate the boreal peatmoss-cyanobacteria mutualism.
Journal Article The ISME journal · April 2022 Interactions between Sphagnum (peat moss) and cyanobacteria play critical roles in terrestrial carbon and nitrogen cycling processes. Knowledge of the metabolites exchanged, the physiological processes involved, and the environmental conditions allowing th ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
From viruses to protists: temperature response of the neglected components of microbial controls on peatland nutrient cycling
ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by Department of Energy · 2019 - 2025Accessioning and curating the BING peatmoss (Sphagnum) collection into DUKE
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2022 - 2025Digitization TCN: Collaborative Research: Building a global consortium of bryophytes and lichens: keystones of cryptobiotic communities
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2020 - 2025View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor ·
1983
Ph.D.
University of Alberta (Canada) ·
1980
M.S.
Cornell University ·
1977
B.S.