• Pat Aronson, Ph.D.
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• Casey Clabough, Ph.D.
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• Danny Cline, Ph.D.
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• Nancy Cowden, Ph.D.
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• David Freier, Ph.D.
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• Sharon Robinson, Ph.D.
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• J. Eric Goff, Ph.D.
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• Edward Polloway, Ed.D.
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• Priscilla Gannicott, Ph.D.
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• Cheryl Jorgensen-Earp, Ph.D.
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• Allison Jablonski, Ph.D.
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• Woody McKenzie, Ph.D.
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• Charlotte Guynes, Ph.D.
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• Gabriel Santos, Ph.D.
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• John Styrsky, Ph.D.
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• Bianca Sumutka, Ph.D.
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• Jeri Watts, Ed.D.

Nancy Cowden, Ph.D.

Understanding plant evolution

My research focuses on the ways in which flowering plant populations and species respond to their environment and how these responses influence individual plants' reproductive success. I utilize both laboratory and field techniques to document genetic variation among populations and species and to determine the extent to which different agents of evolutionary change impact my study organisms. Students have been an integral part of this research.

Current projects include:

• floral fragrance characterization in individual plants of Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens (large yellow lady's-slipper orchid) and pollinators' response to different fragrances;
• genetic characterization of and long-term demographic studies of Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens, Platanthera ciliaris (orange fringed orchid) and P. blephariglottis (white fringed orchid) populations of various sizes;
• comparison of genetic diversity in populations of Liatris graminfolia (grass-leaved blazing star) subjected to differential disturbance pressures;
• investigating pollinators and floral fragrance in Platanthera peramoena (purple fringeless orchid) and Platanthera lacera (ragged fringed orchid).

I maintain my interest in floras and vegetation change over time by carrying out plant community studies in regionally accessible wetlands and upland areas. I have enjoyed the collaborative efforts of students in each of these projects and always welcome more.