Scott Armbruster

Accepting PhD Students

PhD projects

Self-funded students (or with own fellowships) interested in (one of):
Evolution and ecology of plant-insect interactions, with emphasis on pollination ecology. Long-term (macroevolutionary) perspectives on plant-insect (co-)evolution, based on molecular-phylogenetic studies of the evolution of chemical and floral traits and ecological relationships.
Quantitative genetics and development of floral traits involved in attracting, rewarding, and manipulating pollinators; correlated evolution, constraint, and evolvability of floral traits.
Community ecology, including biotic interactions and effects of local variation in microclimate on the composition and function of plant and insect communities; latitudinal patterns in beta-diversity (species turnover across microhabitats).
Biogeography: molecular phylogeography and ecology of Beringian plants and insects.
Evolution of plant mating systems and correlated floral traits, with current emphasis on Collinsia and Tonella (Plantaginaceae).