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How did some plants evolve to survive desiccation?
In the Marks Lab, we explore the extraordinary strategies that plants use to survive without water. Our research focuses on "resurrection plants" which survive nearly complete desiccation of their vegetative tissues. These plants occur in some of the harshest (and most beautiful) environments on Earth. Our research aims to understand the mechanisms of desiccation tolerance, how they evolved, and the broader implications of these adaptations in changing climates.
Our work spans multiple scales of biological organization, from the molecular and genetic mechanisms, to the ecological and evolutionary patterns of desiccation tolerance. By integrating tools from molecular biology, physiology, ecology, and computational biology, we aim to answer fundamental questions about plant adaptation to extreme environments and paint a systems-level picture of the complex adaption.
We want to decolonize science! We advocate for diversity and in our lab, research, and society more broadly. We strive to develop collaborations with researchers worldwide, especially in the Global South, where much of the biodiversity we study occurs. We are committed to broadening participation in plant science.
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