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Position: Associate Professor Field: Pollination Ecology, Molecular Systematics, Conservation Biology Office & Lab: Life Science II room 473 Mailing address: Dept. of Plant Biology, mail code 6509, SIUC, Carbondale IL 62901-6509 Phone (office & lab): 618-453-3213 Fax: 618-453-3441 E-mail: ssipes@plant.siu.edu |
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West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX, B.S. in Biology (honors), 1989.
Utah State University, Logan, UT, M.S. in Biology, 1995. Thesis title: "Reproductive biology of the rare, riparian orchid Spiranthes diluvialis: breeding system, pollination, and variation in reproductive success". Thesis advisor Vincent J. Tepedino.
Utah State University, Logan, UT, Ph.D., 2001. Dissertation title: "Phylogenetic relationships, taxonomy, and evolution of host choice In Diadasia (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)". Thesis advisor Paul G. Wolf.
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 2000-2001. Postdoctoral Research Associate. Postdoctoral advisor Bryan N. Danforth, Department of Entomology.
My research focuses on the evolution of plant-insect interactions, specifically interactions between bees and their pollen and nectar host plants. I integrate both the botanical and entomological aspects of these interactions; I also address conservation implications of these interactions. My current research projects include using molecular phylogenetic approaches to examine 1) the evolution of pollen host choice in specialist bees and 2) the early evolutionary history of bee/angiosperm relationships. Additionally, I am examining the breeding systems, correlates of reproductive success, pollination ecology, and population genetic structure of several rare plants.
PLB 300 -- Plant Diversity. A survey of algae, land plants, and fungi. Emphasis will be placed on evolutionary history, life cycles, morphological diversity, ecology, and importance to humans. Laboratory will stress morphological study of representative organisms. 4 credit hours: 3 lectures per week plus 2-hr lab. Prerequisite Biol 200b or PLB 200. Taught fall only.
PLB 435 -- Plant-Insect Interactions. Plants and insects have played major roles in influencing each other's evolutionary diversification. This course is an evolutionary and ecological examination of the interactions between plants and insects. Topics will include herbivory, pollination relationships, ant-plant mutualisms, host plant choice, specialized vs. generalized relationships, seed and fruit dispersal, coevolution, and chemical ecology. 3 credit hours: 2 lectures per week plus 1-hr discussion of literature. Prerequisites Biol 200a and 200b or equivalent; Biol 307 or equivalent; for graduate students or senior undergraduates. Taught fall of alternate years.
SCI 210b -- Integrated Science II. An integrated, inquiry-based science based on topics delineated in national and state science education standards. This course is designed to hlep prepare teachers to teach science. Focus is on biology and earth sciences. 3 credit hrs: 2 lectures per week and plus 3-hr lab. Prerequisite SCI 210 a (Integrated Science I); this course is only for Elementary Education, Child and Family Services, and Presschool-Primary only. This series was developed as part of the TEMS initiative (Teaching Excellence in Math and Science).
Comments and questions related to research information: ssipes@plant.siu.edu
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