Barbara Carlsward
Assistant Professor
Life Science Building 3076
217.581.3223
bscarlsward@eiu.edu
Dr. Carlsward's Web Site
Dr. Carlsward’s research interests incorporate techniques of plant anatomy and molecular phylogenetics to study plant evolution. The primary goal of her research is to generate reliable hypotheses of evolution and then use these phylogenies as a foundation for studying character evolution of plant structure. Most of Dr. Carlsward’s research has focused on orchids. She has worked extensively with the economically important Vanda tribe, which includes species like the ghost orchid.
Dr. Carlsward is currently working with Steve Manchester and Walter Judd (University of Florida) on Assembling the Angiosperm Tree of Life Project. Using light and scanning electron microscopy, she is specifically examining pollen and stamen characteristics across all angiosperms to help discern relationships of several large, unresolved groups (Saxifragales, Ericales, Lamiales, etc.).
Other current projects include: 1) anatomy and molecular phylogenetics of the milkwort family (Polygalaceae) in North America; 2) floristic inventory of Devil’s Hammock (Levy County, Florida); 3) comparative anatomy and molecular systematics of the Sobralia subtribe (Orchidaceae).
Students interested in gaining hands-on experience with plant structure and evolutionary questions should contact Dr. Carlsward. While her foci are anatomy and phylogenetics, Dr. Carlsward also has experience with floristic projects as well as ethnobotany and could direct graduate research with students interested in any of these fields.
Selected Publications
Neubig, K. M., W. M. Whitten, B. S. Carlsward, M. A. Blanco, L. Endara, N. H. Williams, and M. Moore. 2009. Phylogenetic utility of ycf1 in orchids: a plastid gene more variable than matK. Plant Systematics and Evolution 277: 75-84.
Micheneau, C., B. S. Carlsward, M. F. Fay, B. Bytebier, T. Pailler, and M. W. Chase. 2008. Phylogenetics and biogeography of Mascarene angraecoid orchids (Vandeae, Orchidaceae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 46: 908-922.
Stern, W. L. and B. S. Carlsward. 2008. Vegetative anatomy of Calypsoeae (Orchidaceae). Lankesteriana 8: 105-112.
Carlsward, B. S., W. L. Stern, and B. Bytebier. 2006. Comparative vegetative anatomy and systematics of the angraecoids (Vandeae, Orchidaceae) with an emphasis on the leafless habit. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 151: 165-218.
Selected Presentations
Neubig, K. M., W. M. Whitten, B. S. Carlsward, M. A. BLANCO, L. ENDARA, N. H. WILLIAMS, AND M. MOORE. 2008. Phylogenetic utility of ycf1 in orchids: an underappreciated plastid DNA region. Annual Meeting of the Botanical Societies, Vancouver, Canada.
Tate*, A., B. S. Carlsward, AND W. M. Whitten. 2008. Perianth Anatomy of Maxillaria and related genera (Orchidaceae). Annual Meeting of the Botanical Societies, Vancouver, Canada.
Tate*, A. AND B. S. Carlsward. 2008. Perianth Anatomy of Maxillaria and related genera (Orchidaceae). Annual Meeting of the Illinois State Academy of Science, Champaign, Illinois.
Carlsward, B. S., S. R. Manchester, and W. S. Judd. 2006. Angiosperm AToL stamen and pollen morphology: preliminary observations. Annual Meeting of the Botanical Societies, Chico, California, USA.
Micheneau, C., B. S. Carlsward, M. F. Fay, T. Pailler, and M. W. Chase. 2006. Implications of plant-pollinator interactions in floral trait evolution: a case study from subtribe Angraecinae (Vandeae, Orchidaceae) on Reunion Island (Mascarene Archipelago, Indian Ocean). Annual Meeting of the Botanical Societies, Chico, California, USA.
