Aaron Wenzel

Advisor: A. Wolfe

I am interested in plant systematics and biogeography.  Specifically, my research focuses on section Ericopsis of the genus Penstemon (Plantaginaceae), a group of species native to the Intermountain region of western North America.  My project includes using phylogenetic methods to infer evolutionary relationships, test taxonomic hypotheses, and reconstruct the biogeographic history of the section.  In addition, I am interested in using ecological niche modeling to examine ecological adaptation among species in Ericopsis.