I am interested in the early evolution of photosyntheticeukaryotes, and in the evolution of plastids. Land plants are the most familiar photosynthetic eukaryotes, but there are also many fascinating organisms among the diverse groups traditionally lumped together as "algae". One feature that all photosynthetic eukaryotes have in common is the plastid, a cellular organelle that is derivedfrom a previously free-living cyanobacterium. I believe that a clear picture of the evolution of plastids is essential to an understanding of the evolution of eukaryotes, and much of my work is directed toward that end. I use modern methods in molecular biology and computer science, combined with a good measure of traditional botany, to studythe diversity and evolution of photosynthetic organisms.
If you find my work interesting, I am always interested in speaking with qualified prospective students and postdocs with research interests similar to my own. It is probably easiest to contact me via email (above).
I have been an active participant in an effort to coordinate the efforts of the research community working on high-level green plantphylogeny. Sponsored by a triagency (NSF/USDA/DOE) Joint Program onCollaborative Research in Plant Biology, the Green Plant PhylogenyResearch Group hopes to assemble the published work of a broadrange of labs studying the phylogeny and evolution of green plantsinto a single document, to be published in the year 2000. The green plant phylogeny group is not intended to direct research, but rather to provide a vehicle by which researchers and labs with complimentary interests can easily interact and coordinate their efforts. I havefound the workgroup to be greatly beneficial to my work, and urge allscientists with related interests to participate in the workgroup.