Research Interests - Dr. Mary Fields

Dr. Fields’ research uses the flowering plants of the  Mimulus cardinalis. complex.  These plants are widely used in genetic and ecological studies, but little is known of their DNA on the whole genome level. Pollen studies involve using the SEM to compare variation in polyploid plants and plants tested with mutagens.  Another aspect of the research examines the DNA content of plant tissue using the flow cytometer.    DNA content of members of the mustard family will also be explored to examine the relative size of plant genomes.  Members of the mustard family with very rapid generation time, or “fast” plants and their ancestors, are examples that will be examined.  Some of the DNA content research is in conjunction with Dr. Robert Dawley.