Jason Sexton

Jason Sexton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Merced, School of Natural Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from UC Davis and leads research on plant adaptation, species range dynamics, and conservation genomics. His work integrates field experiments, genomics, and ecological modeling across diverse ecosystems including California vernal pools and Sierra Nevada habitats.

Research Interests: His lab investigates plant responses to climate change, evolutionary conservation strategies, and the ecological genetics of invasive species. Current projects focus on drought adaptation in native plants and gene flow effects on population resilience.

Key Publications: Recent articles explore species range limits under climate change, the use of environmental DNA for biodiversity monitoring, and management implications of gene flow. Research consistently demonstrates applications for conserving biodiversity in rapidly changing environments.

Awards & Advising: Recipient of NSF grants including the Organismal Response to Climate Change program. Advises 9+ graduate students on topics from vernal pool ecology to genomic adaptation. Current lab includes field researchers in California, Mexico, and Australia.