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Welcome to the Fishman Lab!
The origins and maintenance of natural variation is the central puzzle in evolutionary biology. What maintains variation within populations? How and why do populations diverge? How are populations transformed into reproductively isolated species? In the Fishman Lab, we use a variety of approaches – ranging from field and greenhouse experiments to genetic mapping and bioinformatics – to address these fundamental questions about evolution in flowering plants.
Our primary study system is the Mimulus guttatus species complex, and other members of the genus Mimulus (Phrymaceae, formerly Scrophulariaceae). This remarkably diverse group of plants has its center of diversity in Western North America and is an emerging model system for plant evolutionary, ecological and functional genomics. A collaborative effort has developed excellent genetic, cytogenetic and genomic resources for Mimulus, including genetic and physical maps (Mimulus evolution.org) and whole genome sequence. These resources allow us to deeply investigate longstanding questions about the nature of species differences and species barriers.
Interested in joining the lab?
If you are interested in graduate studies in plant evolution, please contact Lila at (406) 243-5166 or lila.fishman (at) mso.umt.edu. We currently have at least two years of research assistantship support for a student investigating any aspect of speciation in Mimulus. We also often have positions available for post-baccalaureate researchers and undergraduate students (paid or for credit)