Moore-Pollard,-Erika_20240130_HEADSHOTS_

I am currently studying the evolutionary history and species relationships within the genus Packera (Asteraceae), with a focus on phylogenomics and systematics.

I am also involved in conservation genetic work of the endangered sunflower species, Helianthus verticillatus, also known as the whorled sunflower.

Finally, I just started some genome assembly and annotation work to generate new genomic resources across Asterales, Dipsacales, and Apiales funded by a NSF IOS grant.

More information on these projects can be found in my Research tab!

Erika R. Moore-Pollard, PhD
(she/her)

Mandel Lab

University of Memphis, Tennessee, USA

phylogenomics • systematics • genomics • biogeography • plant genetics • climate change • evolution • bioinformatics • character trait evolution • polyploidy • conservation genetics • herbaria

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Dissertation work

COMPOSITAE IN A CRATE

Outreach

“Compositae in a Crate,” is an NSF funded self-guided outreach activity aimed at the 4th and 5th school grades. This crate of activities will contain four different modules focusing in different aspects of the sunflower family: genomes, biodiversity, morphology, and society. More info here.

WHORLED SUNFLOWER

Helianthus verticillatus

I am looking at the conservation genetics of this endangered sunflower species that is endemic to the southeastern United States. Find more information about this work here.

THE GENUS PACKERA (ASTERACEAE)

I am trying to understand the evolutionary history and speciation events within the genus Packera. This work involves phylogenomics, dating, biogeography, topological discordance, and probe design. Find more information about my work here.