Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences (2006-2008)
Professor
B.S., 1973, M.S., 1975, Texas Tech University.
Ph.D., 1980, Ohio State University.
Plant Systematics, Malvaceae, Evolution, Phylogeny Reconstruction.
Tel. (701) 777-4678 or 777-2621. (A & S - 7773641)
Email
Ralph Alston Award, Botanical Society of America, 1979.
Chairman, Phytochemical Section, Botanical Society of America, 1987-1988.
Research in plant systematic allows me to not only to work with various
plant groups, but also to use a variety of techniques to answer questions
unique to each group. One goal of my research is to develop predictive classifications.
To best do this, one must obtain as much biological information about the
organisms as possible. My research involves utilizing those techniques which
can most rapidly and accurately answer questions of systematic importance.
My current research is a morphological and molecular study of the Malvaceae.
This is a collaborative project with Paul Fryxell other workers interested
in the Malvaceae. We are using classical morphological data to develop a
phylogeny of the family. Additional data are being derived from cpDNA RFLP
mapping and gene sequencing. We are interested in phylogenetic relations,
character evolution, chromosomal evolution, and biogeographical interactions.
These data sets will be used in cladistic analyses to develop the most accurate
and predictive classification for the group.
Although I am currently working in the Malvaceae, I have utilized many of
these same techniques to answer questions in the Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae,
and Liliaceae. I am interested in all aspects of systematic research and
would not hesitate to work with students having an interest in plant groups
other than those I have studied in the past.
Representative Publications
Revision of Tithonia.1982. Rhodora 84:453-522.
Chromosome numbers in Sphaeralcea section Fenderliancae.1986. American Journal of Botany 73:1400-1404.
A new species of Sphaeralcea (Malvaceae).1985. Southwestern
Naturalist 30:433-436.
Isozyme variation in Trillium nivale Riddell (Liliaceae).1987. Canadian
Journal of Botany. 65:2250-2254.
The existence of hypotheses in plant systematics or biting the hand that
feeds you. 1987.Taxon 36:60-64.
A chloroplast DNA based phylogeny of the Malvaceae. 1995. Systematic
Botany 20: 259-271.
Phylogenetic relationships within the tribe Malveae (Malvaceae, subfamily Malvoideae) as inferred from ITS sequence data. 2005. American Journal of Botany 92: 548-602.