N. Elizabeth Saunders
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Department of Plant Biology
Carbondale, IL 62901 USA
Research Interests
I am a Ph.D candidate in the Department of Plant Biology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
My broad research interests encompass the reproductive ecology of angiosperms, with specific focus on the evolution of floral traits, breeding systems, reproductive isolating barriers, speciation, pollinator relationships, and the ways in which rarity and population dynamics influence many of these factors. I am also interested in the evolutionary and ecological role of floral chemistry in reproduction.
I am investigating the reproductive ecology of Abronia and Tripterocalyx (Nyctaginaceae). Abronia, the sand verbenas, and Tripterocalyx, the sand puffs, are members of Nyctaginaceae, commonly known as the Four O’Clock family. These sister genera are endemic to western North America. Abronia includes 21 putative species found primarily in maritime and semi-desert environments. Tripterocalyx includes only four species limited to the Great Basin Desert of the western United States. They are thought to be young genera, only recently radiated into the desert environment, and actively speciating. My doctoral research will produce a molecular and morphological based phylogeny and will include a taxonomic revision of the genera. I am investigating the breeding system and pollinators, and will examine shifts in these traits as drivers of floral evolution. I am also examining the evolution of floral scent and its relationship with pollinators, pollinator shifts, and pollinator syndromes. I encourage other students and researchers working in the group to contact me.
I also serve as Webmaster for PeatNet, an international alliance of researchers concerned with northern peatland ecosystems. I serve as president of the Plant Biology Graduate Student Organization (2006-2008).
Education
Ph.D. in progress, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Advisor: S.D. Sipes
M.S. Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2005)
B.S., Marshall University, Huntington, WV (2003)
B.A. University of Kentucky (1986)
Honors and Awards
James E. Ozment Award in Natural History for outstanding graduate research proposal in plant biology (2008)
James E. Ozment Award in Natural History for outstanding graduate research proposal in plant biology (2005)
Outstanding Student Poster Award, 65th Annual Meeting, April 14-17, 2004, Association oF Southeastern Biologists (ASB), Memphis, TN (2004)
Research Scholarship, Wyoming Native Plant Society, Laramie Wyoming (2004)
Southern Illinois University Academic Fellowship (Masters)
Deans List, Marshall University, Huntington, WV
Outstanding Biology Student, Ashland Community College, Ashland, KY (2001)
Teaching Experience
Plant Diversity (PLB 300) An evolutionary approach to the study of major plant groups - algae to flowering plants. Emphasis will be placed on cytology, anatomy and development. Economic and ecological aspects of various groups as they relate to humans will also be considered. Laboratory will stress principles via hands-on study of selected representatives. Teaching Assistant/Lab Instructor, Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Fall 2008.
Evolution and Society (PLB 303i) (University Core Curriculum) An introduction to the basics of biological evolution and the effect of biological evolution on society. Historical and modern interpretations of biological evolution on the human experience, including legal, political, religious, scientific, racist, sexist, philosophical and educational aspects. Includes discussions, presentations, papers and debates. Teaching Assistant/lab instructor, Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Spring 2008.
Integrated Science II (SCI 210b) course in basic science for elementary educators. Teaching Assistant/lab instructor, Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Spring 2005.
Environmental Issues (PLB 301i) core curriculum course for non-science majors. Teaching Assistant/discussion leader, Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Fall 2004, and Spring 2005.
Research and Collections Experience
Graduate Research, Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Research leader for a collecting trip to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Utah, and Wyoming for specimens related to phylogenetic study of Abronia and Tripterocalyx as well as to gather pollinator visitation information for all visited species.
Graduate Research, Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Research leader for collecting trip to Utah, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, for specimens related to phylogenetic study of A. ammophila species complex, as well as to gather pollinator visitation information for A. ammophila. Supervised two volunteer assistants. USNPS and private funding. (2004)
Graduate Research, Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Eight-week field season conducting reproductive assay of A. ammophila, Yellowstone National Park, USA, US National Park Service and private funding. (2003)
Undergraduate Herbarium Assistant, Marshall University, Huntington, WV (2002-2003). Work-study appointment under curatorial supervision of Dan K. Evans, Ph.D.