We are using up to 40 microsatellite loci for genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) of more than 40 populations of the federally endangered leafy prairie-clover. The end result will be the highest resolution genetic data set for this species to date, and it will inform future management decisions. This work is funded by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

We are collaborating with Dr. Wayne Barger to document genetic structure within and among populations of the federally endangered Sagittaria secundifolia. We are using microsatellite loci for sequencing of Alabama  occurrences, with plans to expand to include Georgia occurrences as well. The end result will be the highest resolution genetic data set for this species to date, and it will inform future management decisions. This work was funded by a section 6 grant from the state of Alabama.

Photo of sampling location - credit: WT Barger

We are using previously developed microsatellite markers to determine the possible geographic origins of disjunct populations of Shortia galacifolia. There are occurrences in northeast Georgia, northeast Alabama, and in Virginia that are well outside of the known range of the species in the western Carolinas. We will compare genetic structure of these disjunct populations to data previously collected in the Carolinas in an effort to unravel the mystery of their origins. Were they planted? Are they naturally occurring remnants? Stay tuned....

We are collaborating with Zach Irick and Dr. Dwayne Estes (Southeastern Grasslands Institute [SGI], Austin Peay University, TN) to document clonal structure and population connectedness in Sarracenia oreophila in Little River Canyon National Preserve, AL. Our lab generated 25 microsatellite loci for sequencing of populations from a number of bogs both within and outside of LRC. These data, when combined with Zach's demographic monitoring data, will provide new insights for future management strategies. This work was funded by SGI, and a manuscript is in preparation.

We are collaborating with with Dr. Jon Evans (Sewanee - University of the South, TN) to document clonal structure in a large stand of Sassfras on the Sewanee Domain. Our data, coupled with long-term monitoring data, provide some intriguing insights into growth patterns of this species. This work was funded by the Sewanee Herbarium and was recently accepted for publication in the American Journal of Botany.

We recently collaborated with Dr. Jon Evans (Sewanee - University of the South, TN) to describe a new species of Phacelia from the southern Cumberland Plateau. Our lab generated 18 microsatellite loci for sequencing of populations from across the range of the species. These data, when combined with Jon's morphological and ecological data, support recognition of new species. This work was funded by the Sewanee Herbarium and has been published in the journal Castanea.

Evans JP, Michel JT, Fox SJ, Morris AB (2025) Hiding in plain sight, a new species of Phacelia for the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Castanea, 90: 1-22.