Science Café at Overton Park
Wind down from the workday by learning something new over drinks! Join Overton Park Conservancy at the Golf Clubhouse for a happy hour with guest speakers who will share unique perspectives from their corners of the scientific world. This month: Genetic Diversity of Plants in Natural and Agricultural Systems
Plant genetic diversity is the foundation of resilient ecosystems and sustainable agriculture. This Science Café will explore the genetic variation found in both natural and agricultural plant populations, highlighting how this diversity supports adaptation to environmental change. Using examples from ongoing research, we’ll discuss the evolutionary processes shaping plant genomes, the importance of conserving genetic resources, and how genomics can inform conservation and crop improvement efforts.
Dr. Jennifer Mandel is a Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Memphis, where her research focuses on plant evolutionary genetics and conservation genomics. She investigates genetic diversity in both wild and cultivated plants to understand how species adapt to their environments. Her work has implications for biodiversity conservation, crop improvement, and ecosystem resilience. Dr. Mandel has led numerous research projects funded by federal agencies and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. She also directs the University of Memphis Herbarium and the Institute for Agricultural and Conservation Research and Education whose mission is to prepare the next generation of innovators in agriculture and conservation.
