Olson Lab :: Ecological Genomics
We study how genetics influences the distribution and abundance of organisms. A primary theme of our research has been elucidating the influence and interplay among population structure, historical migration, and adaptation. We also have dabbled in questions regarding the genetic basis of speciation. We focus on plants because of their critical roles in ecosystems, their importance as sources of renewable food, fiber, and fuels, and their tractability for manipulation and study in natural systems.
If you are interested in the nexus between ecology and genetics and would like to work with us as a postdoc, graduate student or undergraduates please contact me by email at: matt [dot] olson [at] ttu [dot] edu.
ABOUT THE LAB
From here it’s possible
ABOUT MATT OLSON
Much of my current research concerns adaptation and climate change and my study sites are located in Alaska, where I taught for 9 years. I recently moved to Texas and I developing additional research projects in the lower 48. I and folks in my lab have worked on all sorts of ecological genetics questions from the effects of the pollination community on the evolution of sexual systems, to reconstructing historical distributions of trees, to estimating the adaptive potential of tree phenology to changing future climates. I use a variety of techniques to address the questions at hand, but lately am particularly interested in studying genome-wide signals of adaptation and historical demography which necessitates that we do a lot of computer programming and analysis of whole genome data sets. I also love field studies and experiments, so I prefer to spend some of my time in the field.
I also enjoy cultural diversity. I try to contribute when I can. Visit EvolutionTradingCards.com to see one way I’m trying to bring the fun of evolutionary biology to the masses.
We have shown that balsam poplar genotypes from the south grow longer than those in the north in both a southern and a northern gardens. Genotypes from the north, however, grow longer when planted in the north than when planted in the south.
