In our lab, we study how plants develop and how novel plant forms arise.

Plant development begins in meristems, specialized tissues that contain stem cells. When stem cells divide, they produce cells that differentiate to make up the plant's organs (leaves, stems, roots, and flowers) as well as cells that maintain stem cell identity. This cycle is repeated when these daughter stem cells divide. This form of "stem cell maintenance" is found across all plants and is required to regulate growth throughout a plant’s life.

The sunflower family (Asteraceae) is the largest plant family with ~32,000 species. Its success has been attributed to the evolution of the capitulum, a compact inflorescence that appears and functions as a solitary flower but is comprised of many individual florets. The primary focus of our lab is on understanding how key changes in developmental programs (specifically those regulating stem cell maintenance) have contributed to the evolution of the Asteraceae capitulum.

Spring 2025

• The CapituLab hosted Dr. Dave Jackson for the DBS Seminar Series!

• Reid and Sarita have passed their general exams

• Erika successfully defended her Masters' thesis. Congrats!🥳

• Shelby Crowell and Lake Treen have started at the CapituLab as undergraduate researchers

Fall 2024

• The CapituLab @ AU turned 3 - Happy Birthday CapituLab!

Summer 2024

• Benjamin Welsh has started at the lab as an undergraduate researcher

• Daniel, Vandana, Brannan, Reid, and Sarita attended the 27th International Congress on Sexual Plant Reproduction in Providence, RI

• Undergraduate researchers Yunyun Huang, Sakiyah Jenkins, and Seth Eaddy have started working at the CapituLab!

Spring 2024

• Brannan Cliver passed her general exams. Congrats!

• Sarita attended the regional ComSciCon Meeting in Atlanta and brought back invaluable insight on how to give effective scientific presentations!

• Undergraduate Researchers Ashlyn Bazzel and Taylor Van Kralingen have started in the lab!

• Erika presented her Bidens research at PAG in San Diego!