Welcome to the Kramer Lab!  Our lab is very broadly interested in the evolution of floral morphology. We use molecular, morphological, and phylogenetic approaches to study how flowers have changed over the course of evolutionary time. Research projects in the lab cover a diverse set of topics, including gene lineage evolution and the effects of gene duplication, the morphological diversification of floral parts such as petals and fruits, and the evolutionary and ecological significance of pollinator interactions. Within this context, one of our major focus areas is the development of Aquilegia (columbine) as a new system for studying evolutionary and ecological questions, but we also work on other diverse lineages, including Loasaceae and Tropaeolum.

 

As a lab, our goal is to create a work environment that is respectful, inclusive and equitable, and in which every individual feels safe to be their authentic self. We recognize that our research is enhanced by a diversity of thought and experiences and thus we welcome and actively seek out lab members from all backgrounds. As a group and as individuals, we seek to continually educate ourselves on systemic racism and how to combat it in academia and in our everyday lives. To these ends, we are actively engaged in outreach and antiracism efforts within Harvard and across the broader botanical community. We hope that these efforts will help address the chronic underrepresentation of diverse scientists in botany, which has been colored by a history of colonialism and exploitation.

 

  • A developmental series of A. alpina (top) and A. canadensis (bottom) flowers

    A developmental series of A. alpina (top) and A. canadensis (bottom) flowers

  • Collecting A. vulgaris at the New York Botanical Garden

    Collecting A. vulgaris at the New York Botanical Garden

  • EdU labeling lights up cells that are actively dividing in young A. brevistyla petals

    EdU labeling lights up cells that are actively dividing in young A. brevistyla petals

  •  The nectar spurs of A. flabellata 'alba' are so curly!

    The nectar spurs of A. flabellata 'alba' are so curly!

  • A longitudinal section through a developing A. canadensis petal

    A longitudinal section through a developing A. canadensis petal

  • A young A. coerulea 'Kiragami' flower

    A young A. coerulea 'Kiragami' flower

  • SEM image of the tip of a nectar spur

    SEM image of the tip of a nectar spur

  • Expression pattern of the gene AqWUS in the floral meristem

    Expression pattern of the gene AqWUS in the floral meristem

  • Left: An ANS-silenced flower. Right: An ANS-AqAG1 silenced flower

    Left: An ANS-silenced flower. Right: An ANS-AqAG1 silenced flower

  • Histological sections of Aquilegia flowers at the earliest phase of development

    Histological sections of Aquilegia flowers at the earliest phase of development