This project explores how fungi contribute to speciation and diversification in the orchid genus Platanthera and investigates how preferences for fungal use are inherited by studying parent species and their hybrid offspring.

We are following the genetic trail left by invading Phragmites australis to understand what factors have promoted invasion by this non-native wetland plant.

Non-native earthworms dominate the soil of many mid-Atlantic forests. We are investigating how they affect they mycorrhizal associations that plants depend on.

 In North America, more than 60% of the approximately 210 known species are threatened or endangered in some part of their range of distribution and a number of species have been extirpated in some states.

We are working to determine the effect of prescribed burns on Helonias bullata (swamp pink).