Welcome to the Olson Lab Website

Click here for Matt Olson's Faculty Website

We study genetic and morphological diversity in plants to gain insight into forces generating genetic differentiation in natural systems. We use a variety of methods to understand intraspecific diversity including common gardens, experimental field studies, genetic crossing studies, and DNA marker and sequence analyses. Our field studies include sites at Mountain Lake Biological Station in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia, in the Czech Republic and throughout Alaska - including many off the road grid. Currently we have two main research projects: 1) the evolution of sex ratio in the gynodioecious plant Silene vulgaris and 2) latitudinal adaptation of dormancy in balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera).

The results of our research are essential for developing new genetic resources, for understanding the complexities of the co-evolutionary dynamics of mitochondrial and nuclear genes, and for prediction of evolutionary change and migration during climate fluctuations. Alaska and other regions in the far north are predicted to exhibit some of the strongest biotic responses to climate change in the coming decades. We are devoted to understanding how these changes are influencing adaptation of arctic and boreal organisms. You can make a contribution by getting invoved. We are always on the lookout for people at all levels of education (undergraduate, graduate and postdoc) that are interested in joining our team. To learn more about opportunities for postdoctoral, graduate and undergraduate student support contact Matt Olson [email].