New Biological Sciences Faculty Member Named Director of the UARK Herbarium

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Maribeth Latvis, new assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and director of the University of Arkansas Herbarium.

The Department of Biological Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of a new faculty member and director of the University of Arkansas Herbarium.

Maribeth Latvis, who recently joined the faculty as an assistant professor, holds a Ph.D. in biology with a specialization in plant systematics from the University of Florida and a B.S. in anthropology/zoology from the University of Michigan. Prior to her arrival at the U of A, she was a postdoctoral research scientist at the University of Idaho, followed by several years as assistant professor and Herbarium director at South Dakota State University.

Latvis' research combines field botany, genomics, bioinformatics, and herbarium study to understand the evolution of plant diversity and its conservation. "I try to disentangle how plant species are related to each other, patterns of variation within species, and understanding processes or traits correlated with diversification," Latvis said. "Many projects have focused on Agalinis and Castilleja within the family Orobanchaceae, the largest clade of plant parasites. My lab is also investigating the Salsola tragus species complex (family Amaranthaceae) to understand the evolution of invasiveness."

"We are honored and thrilled to have recruited Dr. Latvis to direct the herbarium and to contribute to the Department of Biological Science's botany, genomics, bioinformatics and evolutionary biology coursework and student research experiences," said Michelle Evans-White, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences.

Latvis is particularly interested in mountain ecosystems, as they hold disproportionately high levels of biodiversity and may act as barriers, bridges, and refugia for species. "Global climate change is shifting the distributions of many species, and populations without the ability to adapt or migrate may be on an 'escalator to extinction.' I am exploring mechanisms underlying migration, genetic distinctiveness, and the fate of mountain lineages under climate change," Latvis said. She continued, "Having the Ozarks and Ouachitas—biodiversity hotspots in the central United States— in my backyard is a dream for future botanizing and research projects. I'm also very excited to contribute to expertise in the region and train the next generation of botanists."

As incoming director of the University of Arkansas Herbarium, Latvis will outline research priorities and develop a strategic plan for the collection. "These are important steps toward mobilizing creative uses of these important specimens and to secure extramural funding for improved infrastructure and outreach," Latvis said.

The herbarium was established in 1875 by professor Francis L. Harvey and has since grown to become the largest such collection in the state with more than 130,000 specimens of vascular plants, bryophytes (mosses, hornworts, and liverworts), and slime molds.

"I am excited to work with Dr. Latvis in both the lab and the field, and to assist her in expanding the herbarium's reach within the U of A community and beyond," said Jennifer Ogle, UARK collections manager.

To learn more about the University of Arkansas Herbarium and to view some of the digitized vascular plant and bryophytes specimens within the collection, visit biology.uark.edu/herbarium.