People – Krosnick Lab

Shawn Krosnick (she/her), PI

I am a systematic botanist who specializes in Passiflora, commonly known as passion flowers or passion fruit. My work is primarily focused on ways to better understand character evolution and homology assessment in taxonomic groups with complex morphology. I use traditional (anatomy and development), molecular (sequence comparison and gene expression), and ecological data (reproductive function) to answer questions about the evolution of pollination syndromes and plant mutualisms.

Cassandra Fink, Master’s student

I am researching a species complex containing Lilium formosanum (Formosa Lily), Lilium philippinense (Benguet lily), and Lilium longiflorum (Easter lily). Taxa in this complex appear to be rapidly naturalizing across the Southeast and exhibit characters that could make them potentially invasive. However, it is unclear which species are present in the United States and whether they are hybridizing with one another as they spread. My study focuses on reproductive and floral phenology, pollination mechanisms, seed dispersal, and genetic relationships among this group in the United States.

Brittany McGuire, Master’s student

My thesis research looks at how biology students understand experimental design both at the high school level and in introductory university courses. The primary objective of my work is to determine how to better prepare students for futures in scientific fields. My research interests are in science education, communication, and informal education.

Chris Waters, Ph.D. student

I am interested in using integrative approaches to answer ecological questions about plants and their associated animal communities. As an undergraduate student in Dr. Krosnick’s lab, I helped with research focused on the reproductive anatomy of Passiflora incarnata. I then moved to Kennesaw State University where I researched shifts in forest canopy composition in the montane longleaf pine ecosystems of northwest Georgia using dendrochronology and archival map data. I am currently investigating the pollination ecology of a federally endangered mustard species called Physaria globosa as part of ongoing conservation efforts. We are classifying effective pollinator species and cataloging floral visitors across the range of P. globosa. Additionally, we are establishing a long-term monitoring protocol for these pollinator communities using environmental DNA left behind on flowers by potential pollinators.

Emily Powell, Master’s student

I am currently researching Physaria globosa, a Federally endangered species of Brassicaceae that is scattered throughout 31 populations in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. My research focuses on this species reproductive dynamics to aid in its long-term survival.

My specific goals are to determine the life history of P. globosa and assess pollen limitation. I am doing this through common garden studies with seed from each study site to monitor stage and age classes. This data will assist future monitoring and create a better understanding of population demography. Pollen limitation is being assessed through supplemental pollen treatments, which compares open/natural pollinated flowers to hand-pollinated flowers. Determining whether P. globosa is pollen limited will help the success of reintroduction throughout its range.

Jojo Brown (they/them), undergraduate student

I am a senior Environmental Science major and I’ve been doing research with Dr. Krosnick since May of 2021. I joined on to help with research on Physaria globosa and now I am working on my own project for the species. My project includes studying rates of successful pollination and fertilization in P. globosa as it relates to position within the floral raceme and floral display size.

Charis Littell, undergraduate student

I am an undergraduate Environmental Biology major. After taking General Botany in fall 2019, I realized I have a love for botany and plants. I worked with the graduate students doing field work on Physaria during the summer of 2021, helped Dr. Krosnick with in situ hybridizations in Passiflora, and I now have my own project in the lab. I am working with Passiflora species that possess butterfly egg mimic tissues and using anatomical sectioning to assess homology among these structures. My interests include plant anatomy, physiology, and ecology. After graduating in May of 2022, I hope to eventually go on to graduate school in biology.

Brittnay Carlile, undergraduate student

I am an undergraduate biology major with a concentration in botany. I am currently working on a project that looks at host-plant feeding interactions in spittlebugs (Clastoptera spp.) and aphids (Aphis spp.) (Hemiptera). Both genera have specialized feeding stylets that allow for tapping into the xylem, phloem, or both. They secrete saliva that hardens to form an impervious and air-tight sheath for feeding. I am currently studying their feeding behavior using anatomical (serial sectioning) techniques.

Bran Green, undergraduate student

I am a senior wildlife and fisheries science major. One of my favorite classes at Tennessee Tech is field botany! That’s where I started to love plants and appreciate their importance. I am currently assisting in the research of Physaria globosa, a federally endangered species of mustard plant. I count and keep record of the amount of P. globosa pollen spores collected from pollinator species. I also count seeds of P. globosa from each study site. I plan on continuing my journey through academia by going on to graduate school in biology.

Kayla Sorensen, undergraduate student

I am a sophomore environmental and sustainability studies student from Jackson, TN, and I love plants! I am currently working with Dr. Krosnick on studying the anatomy of the androgynophore in Passiflora incarnata. I started working in the lab in the summer between freshman and sophomore year, and hope to work towards publication on work that is being done by Dr. K. My time in the lab has led me to an appreciation for histology and the processes behind all of the research that we do. In the future, I would love to be a garden manager or a florist!

Vicki Clements (they/them), undergraduate student

I am a undergraduate biology major with a concentration in botany and a minor in agriculture. I started working in Dr. Krosnick’s lab after taking General Botany with her in the summer of 2021 and have primarily stained slides containing cross sections of various Passiflora species. I also am learning how to set up and perform PCR so I can help on the Physaria globosa pollinator project. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to continue my education so I can conduct plant genetic research with the goal of adapting crops to an increasingly volatile climate.

Emily Jackson, undergraduate student

I am an undergraduate biology student with my concentration in botany. I began assisting in the lab Spring semester of 2022. I am currently helping on the Physaria globosa project by sorting seeds and when the weather gets warmer I will be going out in the field to assist. Eventually, I would like to work in remediation and the conservation field.