Erika J. Edwards
Assistant Professor of Biology
Ph.D., Yale University

My research focuses on understanding the functional and ecological diversity of vascular plants from an evolutionary perspective. In a sense I address classic “form and function” questions but do so within the ecological and phylogenetic context of the organism. I primarily use a comparative historical approach, and combine molecular phylogenetics with anatomical and eco-physiological field studies to examine the evolutionary history of plant functional traits. I am especially interested in the evolution of traits involved in whole plant water use and their potential roles in ecological and/or anatomical diversification. While most of my work is focused on organismal evolution, I also enjoy applying phylogenetic thinking to broader ecological issues, including global climate change. Ongoing projects include phylogenetic and eco-physiological studies of leafy cacti and portulacaceous relatives, and the phylogenetics and ecological characterization of two C4 grass radiations in the Hawaiian Islands.

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