IntBio Project
Integrative Demography: Combining Ecology, Remote Sensing, and Genomics to Understand Population Dynamics
The collaborative, interdisciplinary IntBio Project will combine the technical expertise of the Maloof, Magney, and Gremer research teams, with training approaches developed by the Biotech Program, in order to create a research and training community that can tackle complex biological questions and clearly convey research findings to a variety of general audiences.
IntBio researchers will integrate quantitative genetics, genomics, ecology, and remote sensing to understand and predict plant population persistence in the face of climate change (Figure 1). The model plant species at the heart of this integrated research approach is mountain jewelflower, Streptanthus tortuosus. This native Californian wildflower is ideal for our work for a few reasons - it is sensitive to climate shifts, has genetic variation within and among distinct populations in measurable traits and life history timing, and is found in across broad range of latitudes and elevations within the California Floristic Province, a biodiversity hotspot affected by climate change.
Using data from S. tortuosus populations, we will build demographic models and aim to address these questions:
- How does genetic and environmental variation influence physiology, and how do physiological traits drive variation in vital rates among individuals?
- How does individual variation scale to affect persistence or extinction of populations?
- Can models incorporating genetic and physiological trait variation among individuals predict population responses to environmental change?
IntBio trainees work closely with our faculty mentors to answer fundamental questions about population responses to climate shifts and consider the potential societal and policy impacts. We are developing a workshop series and undergraduate course (see Dr. Brandie Quarles Chidyagwai's profile below for details) related to IntBio research.
More details about the project can be found on the NSF Award #2129589 abstract page.
IntBio Team Members
The IntBio leadership team includes PI Julin Maloof (Plant Biology), and Co-PI's Jenny Gremer (Evolution and Ecology), Denneal Jamison-McClung (Biotechnology Program), and Troy Magney (Plant Sciences). Postdoctoral trainees, graduate students, undergraduate students, and early career researchers will also play key roles in carrying out the research aims of the project while developing transferrable technical and professional skills. Current key personnel include graduate student, Maya Arakaki, and postdoctoral scholar, Brandie Quarles.
Research Team Bios
Maya Arakaki - I am a PhD student in the Graduate Group in Ecology. My research ideas are still developing, but I am interested in life history evolution, phenotypic plasticity, spatial ecology, and quantitative methods for modeling population dynamics and genomic predictions in plant species. Outside of research, I enjoy baking, gardening, swimming, and camping with friends.
Jess Lyons (B.A, Computational Physics) – I am a field technician in the Plant Optics Laboratory (PI Troy Magney) and working with the IntBio research team to optimize remote sensing equipment and technical strategies for capturing field data.
Dr. Brandie Quarles Chidyagwai - I am a plant evolutionary ecologist broadly interested in how plants respond to stressful and variable environments. I integrate field, greenhouse, population genomics, and demographic modeling methods to assess how key traits influence population demography and the opportunity for adaptation of other traits. As a postdoc at Davis, I'm working with the Maloof, Gremer, and Magney labs to identify the factors (such as variation in genotypes, physiology, and the environment) that contribute to population persistence/extinction. Results from field experiments addressing that question will then be used to parameterize an integrated demographic model to project future population dynamics, especially in the face of climate change. I'm also excited to work with CoPI Jamison-McClung on science outreach and education related to the project.
In 2024, I designed and led the first undergraduate research course for IntBio with input from Prof. Maloof and Prof. Gremer - California Wildflower Climate Adaptation: Intro to Evolutionary Ecology Research. Students spent class time learning about evolutionary ecology topics and the scientific method, and working with peers to conduct research. With their groups, students developed research questions, generated hypotheses, collected data, analyzed and interpreted data, and communicated findings. One of the class periods was used for a field trip to the UC Davis Vegetable Crops site for data collection. Outside of class, students individually completed short reading and writing assignments. Students gained a better understanding of population biology and how it relates to climate change research, as well as learning fundamental research skills and practicing team science.
Past Research Team Members
Sarah Ashlock (B.S., Plant Science) - I am a budding field ecologist enthused by natural history and botany. As the Integrative Biology project technician, I help train undergraduate students, generate hybrid generations of Streptanthus tortuosus populations, and install and monitor experimental common gardens. I’m also involved in projects exploring demography and germination niche in the Streptanthus clade. My research interests include ecology, evolution, and plant taxonomy.
Undergraduate Researchers
Undergraduate researchers are vital contributors to the IntBio project. They have been diligent in maintaining plants in the controlled environment facility, making crosses, helping plant on field days, collecting and analyzing data, and taking part in project discussions, particularly via the Data Analysis Workshop series led by Prof. Maloof . We are grateful for the participation of past IntBio research undergraduates, including: Mia Ashby, Eda Ceviker, Kate Cox, Kate Ditrani, Bryce Johnson, and Katie Michaels.
Current Students:
Sophie Benefiel - I am a fourth year Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity undergraduate student, fascinated by plant community ecology. I especially enjoy aiding the project through data collection in the field, as well as through plant care.
Victoria Mattsson - I am a third year undergraduate studying Environmental Science and Management, with a focus on plant ecology. Through garden plant care and data collection, I’ve become fascinated by the wide trait variation in each generation of experimental plants!
Megan Wong - I’m a third year undergrad studying Genetics and Genomics with a personal interest in plants! I’ve really enjoyed the garden planting days, and seeing the plants grow on data collection days.
Hugo Mahatdejkul - Hello! I am a third year undergraduate student studying Genetics and Genomics. Since starting work with the lab group my freshman year, I can’t undersell how much I’ve learned and experienced! My favorite thing I’ve worked on was DNA collection of our experiments!
Samantha Yee - I am a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Environmental Science and Management with a personal interest in the effects of climate change on the community level. My favorite part of this project are the weekly field surveys and seeing the plants grow so quickly!
Christina Chen - Hello! I am a fourth year undergraduate student studying Biological Sciences with a special interest in plants. As a student assistant, I provide support to other lab members through data collection, planting and plant care, growth chamber upkeep, and other various tasks. I enjoy taking care of plants as well as learning and improving upon my statistical analysis skills!
Samantha Swan - I am a fourth year undergraduate student studying Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior with an interest in bioinformatics. I joined the lab group my first year and I have really enjoyed working with an incredible and motivated team at field sites all over the Northern California area.