معرفی
Rachel Spigler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Temple University's College of Science and Technology. Her research focuses on plant evolutionary ecology, integrating field studies, experiments, and genetic tools to explore how ecological, demographic, and genetic factors influence plant mating patterns and reproductive trait evolution.
Key research areas include population ecology, pollination biology, quantitative genetics, and conservation biology. Her work examines topics such as inbreeding depression, floral trait evolution, and the impacts of land use on plant genetic connectivity. Methodologies include observational field studies, manipulative experiments, and genomic analyses.
Rachel’s recent studies highlight the role of pollinators in shaping selfing evolution, the consequences of seed banks for small populations, and the effects of urbanization on genetic structure. Her findings contribute to understanding plant adaptation in fragmented landscapes and conservation strategies.
Her lab’s work spans from mechanistic studies of floral longevity to large-scale demographic modeling, with a focus on species like Sabatia angularis, Collinsia verna, and Oenothera fruticosa. Collaborative projects explore the interplay between mating systems, pollinator behavior, and environmental pressures.
