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Marjorie Weber (PI)
I am an evolutionary ecologist, interested in how ecological interactions impact phenotypic evolution and diversification across evolutionary scales. My research focuses on interactions between plants and arthropods, and evaluates hypotheses that link plant-arthropod interactions with macroevolutionary patterns. I work in many systems, including ant-plant and ant-mite mutualisms, plant defense, and plant-pollination interactions. I am particularly interested in understanding the role that species interactions play in the evolution of bizarre phenotypes, such as flowers, chemical defenses, or the fascinating structures found on plants that attract and retain arthropod bodyguards.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Email: weberm11(at)msu.edu
Google scholar profile
Truncated CV
I am an evolutionary ecologist, interested in how ecological interactions impact phenotypic evolution and diversification across evolutionary scales. My research focuses on interactions between plants and arthropods, and evaluates hypotheses that link plant-arthropod interactions with macroevolutionary patterns. I work in many systems, including ant-plant and ant-mite mutualisms, plant defense, and plant-pollination interactions. I am particularly interested in understanding the role that species interactions play in the evolution of bizarre phenotypes, such as flowers, chemical defenses, or the fascinating structures found on plants that attract and retain arthropod bodyguards.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Email: weberm11(at)msu.edu
Google scholar profile
Truncated CV
Eric LoPresti (NSF Postdoctoral Fellow)
I did my PhD on the ecology of plants with "external defenses" and will continue in this vein for my post-doc. I will be studying the ecology and evolutionary history of sand entrapment at a small scale in the genus Abronia and at a large scale across the plant phylogeny. I will also be looking at the effects on mandibular structure of the insect herbivores which eat these plants.
website: http://www.ericflopresti.com/
Google scholar profile
I did my PhD on the ecology of plants with "external defenses" and will continue in this vein for my post-doc. I will be studying the ecology and evolutionary history of sand entrapment at a small scale in the genus Abronia and at a large scale across the plant phylogeny. I will also be looking at the effects on mandibular structure of the insect herbivores which eat these plants.
website: http://www.ericflopresti.com/
Google scholar profile
Margaret Fleming (Postdoctoral Researcher)
I am a molecular biologist who likes finding molecular (particularly DNA or RNA-based) explanations for complex phenotypes in plants. My current project focuses on a complex leaf phenotype in grapevine, where some species' leaves make hairs on their undersides that form pockets or caves that mites like to occupy, but related species lack these structures and their mite occupants. We would like to know about the genetic underpinnings of leaf hair production and distribution over the leaf, and relate that to grapevine speciation and grapevine/mite ecology.
Google Scholar Profile
Research Gate
I am a molecular biologist who likes finding molecular (particularly DNA or RNA-based) explanations for complex phenotypes in plants. My current project focuses on a complex leaf phenotype in grapevine, where some species' leaves make hairs on their undersides that form pockets or caves that mites like to occupy, but related species lack these structures and their mite occupants. We would like to know about the genetic underpinnings of leaf hair production and distribution over the leaf, and relate that to grapevine speciation and grapevine/mite ecology.
Google Scholar Profile
Research Gate
Andrew Myers (Postdoctoral Researcher)
I'm thrilled to be a part of the Weber Lab! My research interests are in ecology, natural history, and conservation biology, and I love projects that include all of these aspects. My PhD work involved understanding interactions among monarch butterflies, host plants, and other milkweed arthropods with the goal of enhancing monarch conservation efforts. As a postdoc I am excited to apply what I've learned about plant-arthropod interactions to unravel the fascinating ecology of the Vitis-mite mutualism to determine how leaf trait evolution shapes and is shaped by the miniature communities they host. Stay tuned for more details!
I'm thrilled to be a part of the Weber Lab! My research interests are in ecology, natural history, and conservation biology, and I love projects that include all of these aspects. My PhD work involved understanding interactions among monarch butterflies, host plants, and other milkweed arthropods with the goal of enhancing monarch conservation efforts. As a postdoc I am excited to apply what I've learned about plant-arthropod interactions to unravel the fascinating ecology of the Vitis-mite mutualism to determine how leaf trait evolution shapes and is shaped by the miniature communities they host. Stay tuned for more details!
Ash Zemenick (Postdoctoral Researcher shared with Forrestel Lab at UC Davis)
I am a community ecologist interested in plant-arthropod interactions, and their role in structuring microbial communities. For my PhD I worked to disentangle how the structure of plant-flower visitor interactions varies for different types of flower visitors, and the implications of varying structure for floral microbe communities. During my post doc, I will be studying how plant-mite interactions directly and indirectly influence leaf microbial communities and subsequent invasibility by pathogens. I will also be working on building a repository of introductory biology teaching material that humanizes the field of biology and biologists. It will include how biological research applies to current societal problems and highlight what it is like to be a biologist. The materials will be composted of examples provided by biologists that self-identify as being part of underrepresented group(s) in STEM (e.g. in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexuality, income, nationality, immigrant status, cognitive and physical ability, etc.).
website: http://ashzemenick.weebly.com/
Google scholar Profile
I am a community ecologist interested in plant-arthropod interactions, and their role in structuring microbial communities. For my PhD I worked to disentangle how the structure of plant-flower visitor interactions varies for different types of flower visitors, and the implications of varying structure for floral microbe communities. During my post doc, I will be studying how plant-mite interactions directly and indirectly influence leaf microbial communities and subsequent invasibility by pathogens. I will also be working on building a repository of introductory biology teaching material that humanizes the field of biology and biologists. It will include how biological research applies to current societal problems and highlight what it is like to be a biologist. The materials will be composted of examples provided by biologists that self-identify as being part of underrepresented group(s) in STEM (e.g. in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexuality, income, nationality, immigrant status, cognitive and physical ability, etc.).
website: http://ashzemenick.weebly.com/
Google scholar Profile
Bruce Martin (PhD student)
I am broadly interested in understanding the factors underlying disparities in biodiversity across space and taxa, and I believe integrating phylogenetics with studies of ecological patterns and processes can greatly contribute to this goal. Prior to joining the Weber Lab, I earned my B.A. in biology at Skidmore College. My undergraduate research experiences constitute an eclectic mix, including projects focused on porpoise skull morphology, avian malaria, social wasp-mediated pest control, and ant social immunity. Though my academic interests remain broad and flexible, I am especially fascinated by plant-insect interactions due to their diversity and accessibility as model ecological systems which can be placed in larger evolutionary contexts.
I am broadly interested in understanding the factors underlying disparities in biodiversity across space and taxa, and I believe integrating phylogenetics with studies of ecological patterns and processes can greatly contribute to this goal. Prior to joining the Weber Lab, I earned my B.A. in biology at Skidmore College. My undergraduate research experiences constitute an eclectic mix, including projects focused on porpoise skull morphology, avian malaria, social wasp-mediated pest control, and ant social immunity. Though my academic interests remain broad and flexible, I am especially fascinated by plant-insect interactions due to their diversity and accessibility as model ecological systems which can be placed in larger evolutionary contexts.
Erika LaPlante (Masters student)
I am an evolutionary ecologist interested in plant defense interactions and uncovering the genetic mechanisms that underlie mutualistic adaptations. Before joining the Weber lab, I earned my B.S. at the University of Arizona in Soil, Water and Environmental Science. As an Undergraduate Researcher at the University of Arizona and eventually a Research Assistant at the University of California, Berkeley, I studied Drosophila melanogaster to quantify the benefit-to-cost ratio of specific molecular substitutions in Capillary Feeder (CAFE) assay experiments. I also studied Arabidopsis thaliana to identifying plant genes involved in resistance to an herbivorous insect, Scaptomyza flava through performing Scaptomyza flava choice test experiments for host plant preference.
Email: laplan23[at]msu.edu
I am an evolutionary ecologist interested in plant defense interactions and uncovering the genetic mechanisms that underlie mutualistic adaptations. Before joining the Weber lab, I earned my B.S. at the University of Arizona in Soil, Water and Environmental Science. As an Undergraduate Researcher at the University of Arizona and eventually a Research Assistant at the University of California, Berkeley, I studied Drosophila melanogaster to quantify the benefit-to-cost ratio of specific molecular substitutions in Capillary Feeder (CAFE) assay experiments. I also studied Arabidopsis thaliana to identifying plant genes involved in resistance to an herbivorous insect, Scaptomyza flava through performing Scaptomyza flava choice test experiments for host plant preference.
Email: laplan23[at]msu.edu
Caroline Edwards (Lab Technician)
I am interested in evolutionary ecology, population genetics, phylogenetics, and especially plants! I got my B.A. in Biology at Oberlin College, where I did undergraduate research looking at niche evolution of Abronia (Nycctaginaceae) and then spent a season working as a botany technician for the Forest Service in the Sierra Nevadas.
I am interested in evolutionary ecology, population genetics, phylogenetics, and especially plants! I got my B.A. in Biology at Oberlin College, where I did undergraduate research looking at niche evolution of Abronia (Nycctaginaceae) and then spent a season working as a botany technician for the Forest Service in the Sierra Nevadas.
Carolyn Graham (Lab Technician)
Carolyn is interested in the intersection between plant evolution, ecology, and biochemistry. She started her research in the lab as an undergraduate, working with Carina Baskett on latitudinal gradients in plant chemistry. She then did an REUin conjunction with the Brudvig lab focused on understanding the impact of habitat fragmentation and edge effects on plant-mite defense mutualisms. She is now a technician running a project testing for trade-offs in defensive strategies across the wild grape genus, Vitis.
Carolyn is interested in the intersection between plant evolution, ecology, and biochemistry. She started her research in the lab as an undergraduate, working with Carina Baskett on latitudinal gradients in plant chemistry. She then did an REUin conjunction with the Brudvig lab focused on understanding the impact of habitat fragmentation and edge effects on plant-mite defense mutualisms. She is now a technician running a project testing for trade-offs in defensive strategies across the wild grape genus, Vitis.
Aaron Slater (Undergraduate Researcher and Project Biodiversify Intern)
I am currently a senior undergraduate at Michigan State University, finishing a degree in zoology with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology. My research interests involve plant-animal interactions and the dynamics of trait evolution.
I am currently a senior undergraduate at Michigan State University, finishing a degree in zoology with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology. My research interests involve plant-animal interactions and the dynamics of trait evolution.
Thomas Zambiasi (Undergraduate Researcher)
I am a sophomore from Spring Lake, MI currently majoring in Plant Biology and minoring in Spanish. Outside of class, I enjoy playing trumpet in the Spartan Marching Band and supporting MSU sports teams. I am currently interested in all things related to plant biology, ecology, evolution, and interactions between plants, other organisms, and the environment. I’m very excited to be working in the Weber Lab this year!
I am a sophomore from Spring Lake, MI currently majoring in Plant Biology and minoring in Spanish. Outside of class, I enjoy playing trumpet in the Spartan Marching Band and supporting MSU sports teams. I am currently interested in all things related to plant biology, ecology, evolution, and interactions between plants, other organisms, and the environment. I’m very excited to be working in the Weber Lab this year!
Riley Scanlon (Undergraduate Artist in Residence Fall 2019)
My name is Riley Scanlon, I grew up in a little place near Traverse city Mi and have been exploring the aspects of art and science my whole life. Initially after high school I decided to attend art school at Western Michigan University studying photography and intermedia. Out of no where my curiosities merged with the world of biology and I decided to make a change. Now, at Michigan State University studying Plant Biology with a main interest in bryophytes, Im looking to combine my two passions and create a world of microscopy that clearly illustrates my passion for science while illuminating my art. My research interests include the relationship of plant structures and the benefits that arthropods achieve. Minute structures on varying plant types that hold keys to symbiotic relationships and the interest of bryophyte design and physiology including health benefits. Ultimately, I would like to live my life expressing beautiful scientific art of the microscopic world for educational and literature purposes.
My name is Riley Scanlon, I grew up in a little place near Traverse city Mi and have been exploring the aspects of art and science my whole life. Initially after high school I decided to attend art school at Western Michigan University studying photography and intermedia. Out of no where my curiosities merged with the world of biology and I decided to make a change. Now, at Michigan State University studying Plant Biology with a main interest in bryophytes, Im looking to combine my two passions and create a world of microscopy that clearly illustrates my passion for science while illuminating my art. My research interests include the relationship of plant structures and the benefits that arthropods achieve. Minute structures on varying plant types that hold keys to symbiotic relationships and the interest of bryophyte design and physiology including health benefits. Ultimately, I would like to live my life expressing beautiful scientific art of the microscopic world for educational and literature purposes.
Honorary members:
Eloise Wolf (Co-advised with Bradburd Lab)
Lou's research is primarily focused on understanding how to use her hands to put things into her mouth. Recently, she had a major research breakthrough: the discovery of her own feet (work not yet published). She also has a side project investigating a fundamental longstanding question in science: How much drool can one physically produce at one time?
Lou's research is primarily focused on understanding how to use her hands to put things into her mouth. Recently, she had a major research breakthrough: the discovery of her own feet (work not yet published). She also has a side project investigating a fundamental longstanding question in science: How much drool can one physically produce at one time?
Banjo & Cosmo & Mulberry
Love getting scratches on the head and looking deeply into your eyes while they wag their tails. |
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Lab alumni:
Michael Foisy (Graduate Student, 2017-2019)
Dan Hughes (Lab tech, 2017-2019)
Carina Baskett (PhD Student - Co-advised with Doug Schemske, Graduated 2018)
Susan Gordon (Lab tech, 2016-2017)
Katy Garber (Research assistant, summer 2017)
Abby Sulesky (Undergraduate researcher, 2016-2018)
Lucy Schroeder (Undergraduate researcher, 2016-2018)
Ellen James (Undergraduate Summer Research Assistant at Kellogg Biological Station, 2018)
Keegan Mackin (Undergraduate researcher, 2016-2018)
Dan Hughes (Lab tech, 2017-2019)
Carina Baskett (PhD Student - Co-advised with Doug Schemske, Graduated 2018)
Susan Gordon (Lab tech, 2016-2017)
Katy Garber (Research assistant, summer 2017)
Abby Sulesky (Undergraduate researcher, 2016-2018)
Lucy Schroeder (Undergraduate researcher, 2016-2018)
Ellen James (Undergraduate Summer Research Assistant at Kellogg Biological Station, 2018)
Keegan Mackin (Undergraduate researcher, 2016-2018)
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