Hopkins Lab
Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
Harvard University
Arnold Arboretum
1300 Centre Street
Boston, MA 02131
Principal Investigator
Prof. Robin Hopkins
Weld Hill Research Building
Room 214
Office: (617) 384-5501
Harvard University Herbaria
Room 224
Office: (617) 496-9613
Email: rhopkins@fas.harvard.edu
Administrator
Meri Petollari
Phlox and Phenomena: Robin Hopkins’ Journey to Evolutionary Breakthroughs
Harvard biologist Robin Hopkins has unlocked the secrets of phlox, a wildflower whose vibrant colors hold the key to understanding plant evolution. Her research not only breaks new ground in genetics but also reshapes how we think about species formation. Read more about it here
Rediscovering a Lost Species: Patrick McKenzie’s Quest to Solve a Botanical Mystery
Hopkins Lab postdoc Patrick McKenzie, may have stumbled upon a long-lost species while using the iNaturalist app late one night. Intrigued by a mysterious plant specimen found in the forests of Durango, Mexico, McKenzie believes it could be Monarda mexicana, a species not documented since 1952. His findings could add a crucial piece to the puzzle of the ongoing “species problem,” potentially redefining how we understand biodiversity in a rapidly changing world. Read more about it here.
From Lab to Lecturer: Postdoc Andrea Berardi Elevates to Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Plant Biology at James Madison University!
Andrea is starting this fall as a tenure-track assistant professor of plant biology at James Madison University. There she will continue her work on studying the evolution of red floral color and the genetic architecture of reproductive isolation in Silene.
Harvard’s Hopkins Lab: Decoding the Language of Flowers and Evolution in the World of Phlox
Discover the fascinating work of the scientists at Harvard University’s Hopkins Lab, as they investigate the formation of new species and delve into the secrets of Phlox flowers. Through a meticulous examination of the Phlox life cycle, they uncover the evolutionary mechanisms that maintain species separation and contribute to the incredible diversity of life on Earth. Check out the video above!
Unveiling Nature’s Secrets: Exploring Selfing in Phlox cuspidata
Prof. Robin Hopkins alongside graduate students Bushra M. Shahid and Grace A. Burgin discuss selfie in Phlox cuspidata through experimental and genetic analysis. Read more about it here.
Fluttering Pollinators: A Comprehensive Journey Through Each Stage of Phlox drummondii Pollination
Embarking on the intricate journey of pollination biology, this research unveils the hidden connections between the wildflower Phlox drummondii and its primary pollinator. Beyond the predictive power of floral syndrome traits, this empirical study offers a nuanced exploration, confirming the anticipated role of Lepidoptera in this floral dance.
By: Robin Hopkins, Grace A. Burgin, Olivia Bronzo-Munich, Austin G. Garner, Izzy A. Acevedo. You can read the research here
New publication on Phlox species is here!
Congrats to alumni Hopkins Lab members Ben, Matthew, Andrea, Charlie, Megan and Robin on their new publication titled “A multi-dimensional selective landscape drives adaptive divergence between and within closely related Phlox species.” Read it here.
The Hopkins Lab has gained a new Dr.! Congrats Dr. Austin Garner!
Phlox Drummondii publication is here!
Congrats to Austin, Andrew, Andrea and Robin on their new publication titled “A cis-regulatory point mutation at a R2R3-Myb transcription factor contributes to speciation by reinforcement in Phlox drummondii” Read it here