Erika R. Moore-Pollard, PhD
(she/her)

I am an evolutionary biologist whose research explores how genomic processes drive the evolution of plant diversity. By integrating phylogenomics, comparative genomics, and systematics, I investigate how hybridization, polyploidy, and adaptation influence trait evolution and species diversification across plants.

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My primary study system is the sunflower family (Asteraceae), where I examine the genomic foundations of evolutionary innovation, phylogenomic discordance, and biodiversity. I am particularly interested in linking patterns of genome evolution to the origin and diversification of key plant traits.

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I am currently a postdoc at the University of Connecticut where I am expanding these questions to bromeliads, using physiological and genomic approaches to study the evolution of photosynthetic metabolism and functional trait diversity.

 

Together, my research seeks to connect genomic change with the traits and processes that generate biodiversity.

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More information on the larger projects can be found in my Research tab!