Research

Systematics, phylogenetics, biogeography and evolution of flowering plants

Description

My research group aims to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships in angiosperms, focussing in particular on the legume family (peas, beans; Fabaceae or Leguminosae). This allows us to arrive at predictive and stable classification systems that reflect evolutionary history and to better understand species delimitations and interspecific relationships. The phylogenies are used as an evolutionary framework to better understand molecular and morphological evolution in these groups. We are interested in the evolution of pollination systems, in modifications in floral morphology, and in biogeographical and ecological evolution. We use a diversity of approaches, from sequencing of DNA, to phylogenomics, morphological studies, and analyses of broad biogeographical and ecological datasets. Our ultimate goes is to better understand plant biodiversity across the world.

Plus: Publications

Major collaborative projects

Canadensys
I am the Principal Investigator of Canadensys, a pan-Canadian network that makes biodiversity information freely and openly available to everyone
https://community.canadensys.net

Legume Phylogeny Working Group
International network of researchers interested in phylogenetics and systematics of the legume family (see publications: LPWG 2013, 2017, 2019)

CABO Project
The objective of the Canadian Airborne Biodiversity Observatory (CABO) is to study and understand changes in plant biodiversity across Canada using spectranomics
http://www.caboscience.org/

BIOS2
A network of researchers who explore, apply and train in quantitative and computational methods to address challenges in biodiversity science
http://bios2.recherche.usherbrooke.ca/

Students and researchers

2 M.Sc. positions on leaf functional trait evolution across biomes are currently being offered. See info here.

Warren Cardinal-McTeague, postdoctoral researcher
“Phylogenomics and biome evolution in Cercidoideae”
https://warrencardinalmcteague.wordpress.com

Florence Blanchard, M.Sc. student
(co-supervised by Etienne Laliberté)
“Phylogenetic structure of leaf spectral data and functional traits in temperate forest tree species”

Carole Sinou, reseach associate
Biodiversity informatics manager, Canadensys

Teaching

BIO-2315: Évolution et domestication des plantes
BIO-3115/6115: Principes de phylogénie et de systématique
BIO-6245: Analyse phylogénétique
MSL-6115: Collections de sciences naturelles