Photo of Lisa Wallace in the Kaplan Orchid ConservatoryLisa Wallace, Lab PI

In 2017 I relocated from Mississippi State University to Old Dominion University as the J. Robert Stiffler Professor of Botany.  I grew up on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and attended the College of William and Mary for B.S. and M.A. degrees before heading to Ohio for a PhD from The Ohio State University and then on to the University of South Dakota for a postdoctoral appointment.  My research interests span plant systematics, evolution, and biogeography, and I focus research on native orchids. I also serve as Curator of the ODU Herbarium, Faculty Director of the Kaplan Orchid Conservatory, and Director of Science at Norfolk Botanical Garden.   

Martín Batalla, PhD Candidate

Photo of MartinMartín is working with Nototriche (Malvaceae), a genus of more than 100 species distributed along the Andes in South America. He is especially interested in producing a phylogeny of the genus, along with studying the distribution patterns of polyploids, which are prevalent in this group. Having been born and raised in Argentina, he is excited to work in this region of the world along with the people in it.

Meghan Britton, PhD Student

Meghan joined the lab after several years as a middle school science teacher. Meghan is focusing her dissertation research on urban ecology and looking at urban greenspaces as potential habitats for milkweeds and the Monarch butterflies that rely on these plants. 

Preston Jarman, PhD Student

Preston recently graduated from ODU with a BS in Biology.  He is interested in interactions of soil microbes and plants and is planning for a future in public policy. 

Phot of Devani and her dog, Acorn

 

Devani Jolman, PhD Candidate

Devani is interested in how the prevalence and function of interspecific hybridization in plants have been influenced by human impact. This research aims to better understand the role of hybridization in a changing climate. In her free time, she loves to trail-run, surf, play board games, and snuggle with her adorable pup, Acorn.

Ray Volkin, MS Student 

Ray will join the lab this fall to begin work on her MS degree in biology.  She also serves as the Plant Recorder at the Norfolk Botanical Garden.