Guided research projects to study gene evolution in plants, coupled with functional investigation in the lab. We focus in particular on candidate genes for phenotypes diverged between plant populations adapted to different habitats and/or different ploidy.

The advanced course introduces students to plants through a concept-based discussion of developmental processes that integrates physiology and biochemistry with genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. The course follows the life of the plant, starting with the seed, progressing through germination to the seedling and mature plant, and ending with reproduction and senescence.