Friends of the Arboretum Lecture

"Application of Genomics to Flowering Dogwood Conservation and Phylogeny and Biogeography of Mock Oranges"
Andrew Pais, Ph.D., Database and Plant Records Coordinator

• Thursday, December 7, 2017 — 7:30 pm - 9 pm

Andrew Pais graduated in the spring of 2017 with a Ph.D. in botany from the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at NC State. While working in Jenny Xiang's lab, Andrew contributed to a molecular systematic study of the mock orange genus Philadelphus in order to understand the plant group's origins and placement within the tree of life. As part of his dissertation research, Andrew conducted a population genetic study of native flowering dogwood trees (Cornus florida) to identify genes related to dogwood anthracnose resistance, a deadly disease impacting the success of dogwoods in the wild and in horticulture. His efforts to understand the genetic diversity of flowering dogwoods have better informed how to conserve this cherished and ecologically important tree.

Andrew now works at the JC Raulston Arboretum as the new database and plant records coordinator. Using his background in plant taxonomy and his skills in data analysis, Andrew is exploring innovative approaches to utilize the Arboretum 's records in order to make more informed decisions. In addition to discussing former projects, Andrew will share new ideas in the making, which will further contribute to the community of educators and scientific researchers engaged with JC Raulston Arboretum.