معرفی
Susan Swensen is Professor of Biology at Ithaca College, Director of the H&S Innovation Scholars Program, and Coordinator of the Innovation Scholars Program. Her research integrates molecular systematics and population genetics to explore plant evolution, with field and lab projects on island endemics, Cucurbitales phylogeny, and actinorhizal symbioses.
Education:
- B.A. Biology, Grinnell College
- M.S. Botany, University of Tennessee
- Ph.D. Plant Physiology & Genetics, University of Tennessee
Research Interests: Swensen uses DNA sequence data and microsatellites to reconstruct phylogenies and examine population-level processes. Current focal questions include the origin of the Hawaiian relict Hillebrandia, the evolution of nitrogen-fixing symbioses, and conservation genetics of Caribbean Scaevola threatened by invasive species.
Her peer-reviewed articles reveal sustained contributions to understanding deep angiosperm relationships, symbiosis evolution, and cryptic tropical biodiversity, often involving undergraduate co-authors.
Grants & Support: Funding includes NSF awards for tropical biodiversity research and Ford/Provost grants for Puerto Rican Scaevola population genetics.
She actively mentors undergraduates in research, coordinates the campus-wide Innovation Scholars Program, and leads sustainability-themed curricular initiatives.
