The evolutionary fate of species rests entirely on their potential to adapt to novel or stressful environmental conditions. While a small minority of lineages have experienced little morphological evolution over long evolutionary timescales, the vast majority of taxonomic groups have undergone recurrent events of niche diversification, speciation and extinction- processes all driven by the relative capability of populations to adapt. My research program addresses this foundational question in evolutionary biology, namely, what factors affect the adaptive potential of populations? Using vascular plant systems and population genomic, physiological, and ecological tools, my research program empirically assesses the evolutionary causes and ecological consequences of adaptive constraint.

In the Juenger lab, I am utilizing the developing model system, Panicum hallii and its close relative, switchgrass (P. virgatum) to determine the physiological affect of deleterious mutation accumulation and the benefits of concealing this genetic load through crossing. Understanding these processes, which lead to heterosis, may improve the agronomic utility of hybrid breeding in switchgrass.