NAU Plant Systematics Laboratory

Current Projects

Michael Currie, M.S. Student

Population Genetics and Systematics of a rare hanging garden endemic, Platanthera zothecina.

I collected alcove bog orchids from hanging gardens in the Colorado River drainage from Canyon Lands through Glen Canyon NRA. I'm using AFLP's to look at population genetics and sequence data to study systematics.

to contact Mike Currie click here

Species-level Phylogenetic Analysis of Nemacladus.

I'm using sequence data to construct a species level phylogeny of Nemacladus, a genus of minute annuals endemic to western North America. The phylogeny will be used to study biogeographic patterns and the evolution of floral morphology.

to contact Keri Stiverson click here

Survey of Alkaloids and Caffeic Acid in Campanulales.

I'm extracting and characterizing secondary compounds in the Campanulales using a GCMS to look at occurance of piperidine alkaloids and caffeic acid in the different families.

to contact Matt Haldorson click here