Why did you choose Lund University?
Lund University has a strong legacy of excellence in biodiversity research and conservation. The extensive expertise in the many innovative programs led by faculty and students provides a Vision: to bridge expertise in Biodiversity and Evolution with collections-based research (Biological Museum of Lund) and link these research programs through bioinformatic advances in participatory research and conservation science.
I am excited to be part of the vibrant collaborative landscape that uses biodiversity genomics research to elevate Lund University’s Profile Area of Nature-based solutions and to contribute to the University’s commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals supporting socially-just and biodiversity-forward solutions.
Can you briefly describe your current research?
My research uses morphological and developmental techniques combined with molecular genetics, comparative genomics and phylogenetics to study the natural diversity of plants and to understand the forces creating and sustaining plant biodiversity.
We investigate how plants evolve novelty in form and function under the myriad of environmental stresses they encounter, and how convergent evolution across ecosystems can be leveraged to understand fundamental principles of plant adaptation.
We use and contribute to living and museum collections to advance our research in systematics, biogeography, population genetics, comparative development, and plant conservation while advancing the fields of evolutionary theory and computational biology associated with biodiversity science and scholarship.
What will be your main research focus during your time at Lund University?
My goal as a Visiting Professor is to partner with faculty and students at Lund University to build a global collaborative network focused on developing solutions to curb biodiversity loss by identifying the genetic and genomic features necessary to build resilient ecosystems; for people and for the natural systems we depend on for wellness and wellbeing.
I also envision promoting Plant Biodiversity more holistically through partnerships with the World Heath Organization’s One Health initiative, emphasizing the importance of plants (and plant biodiversity) in the efforts to build a sustainable and nature-rich world for human and planetary health and well-being.