The Kalisz lab explores concepts and theories relating to the evolution, ecology and conservation of plants. We address a wide array of topics including the conditions that favor or maintain self-pollination, pollination ecology, mating barriers among and the biogeography of Collinsia, the role of enemies and mutualists on population demography, and the developmental genetics of floral symmetry and mating system. We work in a wide array of field sites locally in PA, OH, and WV including the University’s field station; the west coast including CA, WA, OR and CA; and the upper peninsula of MI. Most of our projects combine field, molecular, phylogenetic, experimental, and statistical approaches. The techniques we use depend on the questions we are asking, but range from field population or community studies of mutualistic effects of pollinators (Collinsia and Solanum) and mycorrhizal fungi (Ariseama, Polygonatum, Maianthemum (Smilacina), Trillium); the negative effects of herbivores (Arisaema, Floerkia, Polygonatum, Sanguinaria, Maianthemum, Trillium) and invaders (Alliaria, Microstegium), and their interactions; sex ratio theory (Arisaema); genetic studies in the greenhouse and growth chamber (Collinsia and Tonella); as well as studies on the molecular and developmental genetics of mating system and floral development (Antirrhinum and Collinsia).
Research Topics (click on for more info):
Mating System Evolution
Herbivores and Invaders
Evolution of Reproductive Isolation
Sex Ratio Evolution
Seed Dormancy
Molecular Genetics of Floral Development
Research Topics (click on for more info):
Mating System Evolution
Herbivores and Invaders
Evolution of Reproductive Isolation
Sex Ratio Evolution
Seed Dormancy
Molecular Genetics of Floral Development