Welcome to Castilla Lab!
The Castilla lab is moving to the Department of Plant Biology, Ecology, and Evolution at Oklahoma State University in summer 2023!
Research in our lab focuses on the role of plant dispersal in allowing plant populations to cope with global change. We use a multiscalar approach to study plant dispersal, which ranges from the local neighborhood of individuals to the shifts in the distribution range of species since the Last Glacial Maximum.
Research in our lab focuses on the role of plant dispersal in allowing plant populations to cope with global change. We use a multiscalar approach to study plant dispersal, which ranges from the local neighborhood of individuals to the shifts in the distribution range of species since the Last Glacial Maximum.
Using a multiscalar approach, we investigate diverse topics articulated around the central concept of plant dispersal. For example, one of our research lines examines the effects of gene flow in maintaining genetic and phenotypic variability in plant populations. In particular, we are interested in the role of plant-animal interactions for these dispersal processes.
Another research line delves into deeper temporal scales and broader spatial areas to investigate how dispersal facilitates the colonization of suitable regions during periods of climate change. Specifically, we examine shifts in tree species ranges in response to climate change from the Last Glacial Maximum to the present. By understanding how species dispersed in response to past climate change, we set the baseline to predict how they will respond to ongoing climate change.
We work at the intersection of plant ecology, population genetics, and evolutionary biology. To address our questions, we used an interdisciplinary approach that combines genomics, field and experimental work, high-performance computing, and integrative modeling.
In our lab, we are firmly committed to promoting underrepresented groups in science. Our goal is to nurture a community where everyone can develop their full potential in an atmosphere of collaboration and passion for science.
See our current research projects and publications to learn more about our research and opportunities to join our team! Check our join us page for more information, and feel free to reach out if you are interested in joining the lab or collaborating.
Contact information
Antonio R. Castilla Assistant Professor Department of Plant Biology, Ecology, and Evolution College of Arts and Sciences Oklahoma State University 301 Physical Science | Stillwater, OK 74078 Email: acastillaalva@gmail.com Phone: 405-744-5559 |