Mississippi State University · Biological Sciences

Speciation
Pollination
Evolution
Conservation
Penstemon

We use genomic, phenotypic, and ecological data to understand adaptation, speciation, and convergent evolution — mainly in the emerging model plant genus Penstemon.

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Penstemon davidsonii (foreground); P. newberryi and hybrids (background) Foreground: Penstemon davidsonii
Background: Penstemon newberryi + hybrids
01 — What we study

Research

Full research page →
I.

Speciation & Reproductive isolation

How reproductive barriers form and break down between closely related lineages, often through the use of hybrid zones.

II.

Floral evolution & Pollination biology

How floral traits evolve in response to pollinators, and how ecological interactions shape phenotypic and genomic divergence.

III.

Phylogeography & Conservation genetics

Using genetic variation to reconstruct biogeographic history, population structure, and the processes shaping diversity across landscapes.

Penstemon wasp (Pseudomasaris vespoides) on P. davidsonii var. praeteritus
P. rupicola in bloom at Crater Lake
P. dissectus
Crater Lake
PhD student Sara Wuerstl collecting P. dissectus
P. newberryi x P. davidsonii hybrid at Virginia Lakes
P. newberryi at Gem Lakes
View from atop Virginia Lakes Trail
A wasp resting inside of a P. laevis flower
P. newberryi x P. davidsonii hybrid from Gem Lakes
P. davidsonii at Mono Pass
Mono Pass
Ground squirrel standing in front of P. davidsonii
Inflorescence of P. palmeri
P. dissectus
P. davidsonii at Virginia Lakes
Ruby Lake

We combine wet lab and bioinformatic approaches with a heavy dose of fieldwork.

02 — The lab

People

Meet everyone →
Ben Stone

Ben Stone, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator
Sara Wuerstl

Sara Wuerstl

Ph.D. Student
Currently recruiting M.S. and Ph.D. students. Interested in evolutionary genomics, plant systematics, or conservation biology? Get in touch.
03 — Recent iNaturalist Activity

Observations and Identifications

Coming soon Live iNaturalist observations and identifications will appear here.