Kenneth D. Whitney

Kenneth D. Whitney is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Biology at the University of New Mexico. He holds a Ph.D. in Population Biology from the University of California, Davis (2003). His research focuses on the ecological genetics of plants and plant-animal interactions, with emphases on hybridization, invasion biology, genetic diversity, and genome evolution. Key projects explore the causes/consequences of interspecific hybridization, effects of genetic diversity on plant colonization success, and plant adaptations to environmental challenges.

Whitney’s work spans diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, deserts, tropical forests, and alpine systems. He employs experimental field studies, molecular genetics, and phylogenetic methods. His lab investigates symbiotic relationships (e.g., plant-fungal interactions), pollinator dynamics, and the role of hybridization in evolutionary processes. Notable contributions include studies on Helianthus sunflowers and Larrea tridentata (creosote bush).

Grants and collaborations support long-term ecological experiments, such as drought impacts on genetic diversity in grasses and symbiont effects on plant resilience. His research bridges evolutionary biology, ecology, and conservation, emphasizing applied questions like climate adaptation and invasion genetics.

Labs/Teams: Whitney Lab (focused on plant-animal interactions and evolutionary ecology). Active in the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and LTER networks.