About
I am an Assistant Professor of Biology at San Francisco State University, where I lead the Moss Eco-Evo-Physio (MEEP) Lab. My group integrates plant physiology, ecology, and genomics to investigate how plants adapt to terrestrial challenges. We focus on three themes: mechanisms of stress tolerance, the processes that generate and maintain reproductive and life history diversity, and the evolutionary history of adaptation to extreme environments. To address these questions, we combine field and laboratory approaches—eco-physiological assays, reproductive studies, and molecular tools such as DNA sequencing and bioinformatics.
Much of my work centers on mosses and lichens: poikilohydric organisms that equilibrate with environmental moisture, suspending metabolism during dry periods and reactivating when hydrated. Their ability to survive extreme desiccation, solar radiation, and temperature variation makes them both resilient pioneers and sensitive indicators of environmental change. My research explores how these stressors shape their life history, reproduction, and evolutionary trajectories, with a focus on water availability and microclimate.
I am committed to mentoring students and creating opportunities for hands-on research training. This project reflects that commitment by combining traditional collecting, herbarium curation, and modern sequencing in ways that are accessible to students and community members. Through this work, I aim to advance scientific understanding of cryptogams and inspire the next generation of scientists to appreciate the resilience and ecological importance of these overlooked organisms.
Joined
August 2025
