Dr. Smith's lab studies the evolution and genetics of floral diversification, with a focus on the tomato family, Solanaceae. They use molecular phylogenies and statistical comparative methods to infer the evolutionary history of plant traits and to test ecological factors that may have shaped their evolution. They also employ molecular, genetic, and biochemical approaches to understand the mechanisms underlying trait differences across species.
EBIO 1220 - General Biology 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Provides a concentrated introduction to organisms, homeostasis, development, behavior, and ecology. Emphasizes fundamental principles, concepts, facts,and questions. Intended for science majors. Recommended prerequisite: EBIO 1210 (minimum grade C-).
EBIO 3590 - Plants and Society
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2024
A writing intensive course for majors and non-majors which acquaints students with the history of plant use in our society. Topics center on the evolving relationship between humans and plants as food sources, medicines, fuel, and other products, such as fibers and dyes. Recommended prerequisite: EBIO 1100 or EBIO 1210 or EBIO 1220 or EBIO 1250 (minimum grade C).
EBIO 4290 - Phylogenetics and Comparative Biology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Reviews the principles and methodology of phylogenetic inference using molecular data. Emphasizes the application of comparative approaches to hypothesis testing in evolution, ecology and medicine and provides a broad foundation in both theory and practice of phylogenetics. Recommended prerequisite: EBIO 3080 (minimum grade C-) or instructor consent required. Same as EBIO 5290.
EBIO 4870 - Independent Research: Upper Division
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Summer 2019 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Summer 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023
May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
EBIO 4990 - EBIO Honors Thesis Research
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
To be taken during the final academic year prior to graduation. Consists of the final phase of honors research and thesis preparation under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Recommended prerequisites: minimum 3.3 GPA and a declared EBIO major and approval by departmental Honors program.
EBIO 5190 - Diversity and Inclusion
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Topics have included: implicit bias, privilege, inclusive pedagogy, inclusive hiring practices, inclusive mentoring, barriers facing undergraduate students, barriers facing graduate students, fairness of the GRE.
EBIO 5290 - Phylogenetics and Comparative Biology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Reviews the principles and methodology of phylogenetic inference using molecular data. Emphasizes the application of comparative approaches to hypothesis testing in evolution, ecology and medicine and provides a broad foundation in both theory and practice of phylogenetics. Same as EBIO 4290.
