Telephone (530) 752-8529
e-mail kjrice[at]ucdavis.edu
FAX (530) 752-4361
Department of Plant Sciences
Mail Stop 1
One Shields Avenue
University of California Davis, CA 95616
Dissertation research
My
dissertation examines the role of selection, gene flow, and range limits in determining adaptive phenotypes. I study Mimulus laciniatus (an endemic Sierran
annual plant) across its species range to understand 1) population-based
adaptations, tolerances, and evolutionary potentials to adapt to varying
climates and 2) consequences of historical and experimental gene flow on
these processes. Replicate populations across a 2300 m elevation
gradient are being examined in common gardens representing the climate
breadth of the species range. Variation in molecular markers among and within
populations is being quantified to understand adaptive responses in the
context of gene flow.
IGERT Biological Invasions research
I was as a trainee in the NSF Biological Invasions IGERT Program, where my cohort investigated the practical and social aspects that govern weed management, specifically yellow starthistle, in the Sierran foothill ranching community. http://www.cpb.ucdavis.edu/bioinv/
Climate Change in California
In addition to investigating climate change adaptive potential in Sierra Nevada plants, I am a participant within the Biological Impacts of Climate Change in California Program (BICCCA) where I am studying ways to increase awareness of evolutionary considerations in ecosystem management under climate change scenarios. Additionally, I have participated as a Climate Action Team member for the California Climate Change Center where I reviewed potential risks from biological invasions on agricultural systems.
Master's research on ecological and evolutionary potential of Tamarix ramosissima invasion
I studied the invasive potential of Tamarix ramosissima (saltcedar) in continental climates of western North America for my Master's degree at the University of Montana, Missoula, within Dr. Anna Sala's research group.
Publications
Sexton, J.P. and A.B. Griffith. Incorporating evolutionary factors into conservation
responses under climate change scenarios. In Root, T.L., Hall, K.R., Herzog, M., and
Howell, C.A., eds. Biological Impacts of Climate Change in California. In press.
Sexton, J.P., McIntyre, P.J., Angert, A.L., and K.J. Rice. 2009. Evolution and ecology of
species range limits. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics. 40: 415-436.
Epanchin-Niell, R.S., Hufford, M.B., Aslan, C.E., Sexton, J.P., Port, J.D., and T.M.
Waring. (Online early) Controlling invasive species in complex social landscapes. Frontiers in
Ecology and the Environment.
Aslan, C.E., Hufford, M.B., Niell, R.S., Port, J.D., Sexton, J.P., and T.M. Waring. 2009. Practical
challenges and solutions to private stewardship of rangeland ecosystems: Yellow starthistle
control in California's Sierra Nevada foothills. Rangeland Ecology and Management. 62: 28-37
Bower, M., Sexton, J. and V. Carne-Cavagnaro. 2006. Agricultural invaders, pests, and disease
in California’s changing climate. Chapter 7. In Cavagnaro, TR, Jackson, LE and Scow, KM,
eds. Climate Change: Challenges and Solutions for California Agricultural Landscapes. California. CEC-500-2005-189-SF.
Sexton, J.P., Sala, A. and K. Murray. 2006. Occurrence, persistence, and expansion of
saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) populations in the Great Plains of Montana. Western North
American Naturalist. 66(1): 1-11.
Sexton, J.P., McKay, J.K. and A. Sala. 2002. Plasticity and genetic diversity may allow
saltcedar to invade cold climates in North America. Ecological Applications.12(6): 1652-
1660.