Dr.
Phyllis D. Coley
University of Utah
Ecologist; Evolutionary biologist; Educator
Area
Biological Sciences
Specialty
Evolution and Ecology
Elected
2006
Professor of Biology. My research focuses on the ecology and evolution of tropical rainforest plants and their interactions with herbivores. Using a phylogenetic context we characterize plant defenses, especially secondary metabolites, link this with herbivore host choice, as well as genes and gene expression of metabolites. We also use ecological insight to design a drug discovery program in tropical forests with the goals of linking economic development and conservation.
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