Dr Mikhaela Neequaye

The Byers Lab studies the evolution and diversification of floral scent at a wide range of scales, from genus-wide evolutionary patterns to floral scent evolution of pairs of species with different pollination systems (e.g. hummingbird versus bumblebee).

This includes the use approaches ranging from genetic mapping and manipulation of floral scent genes through to behavioural experiments with large plant arrays in greenhouse conditions.

The lab are currently investigating how floral scent genes evolve in natural populations.

At present research focuses primarily on monkeyflowers in the genus Mimulus (also known as Diplacus and Erythranthe), a developing model system in evolutionary biology.

Research interests also include work on the fragrant orchid genus Gymnadenia and members of the genera Galium (bedstraws).