The lab group at Irene’s defense in July of 2026!
Jay Sobel, PhD - Principal Investigator
I am broadly interested in the ecological and genetic basis of adaptation and speciation, and I primarily use the emerging model plant genus Mimulus to answer questions about these fundamental processes. I received my dual-major PhD at Michigan State University from the Department of Plant Biology (MSU-PlantBio) and the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, & Behavior Program (MSU-EEBB). I was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Oregon in the Institute for Ecology and Evolution (UO-IE^2).
Rachel Kruger, PhD Candidate
I am a PhD student in the Sobel lab. In 2021 I earned an MS here at Binghamton University in Dr. Matt Parker’s lab where I studied the evolution of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in response to the invasion of a novel host legume into North America. In 2016 I graduated from Hartwick College with a BA in biology. Currently I am studying seed dispersal traits of Mimulus dudleyi in habitats of varying connectivity. Outside of the lab I enjoy hiking, going to concerts, and taking photographs.
Josh Knecht, PhD Candidate
I received my BS in plant science from Cornell University. During college, I worked with Dr. Elson Shields researching the use of insect-attacking nematodes to control Alfalfa Snout Beetle in northern New York. Since graduating, I have mostly worked as a carpenter—with minor excursions into farming, horse logging, and commercial construction. Wanting to work with plants, I got a job in the Cornell Section of Plant Breeding and Genetics where I worked on potato, alfalfa, and cereal breeding projects. My time there convinced me I wanted to pursue plant research, which is what led me to Binghamton to study evolution in Mimulus. Outside the lab, I like to go on hikes with my family and pretend to be a Botanist.
Rachel Pitt, MS Student
I received my BS from Binghamton in 2026 and am continuing my research as a masters. My project examines the divergence of drought resistance strategies in Mimulus section Diplacus. As an undergraduate, I completed an honors thesis investigating the fungal endophyte diversity of an insect gall. More broadly, I love species interactions and in the future I hope to study how biotic interactions shape evolutionary processes. Outside of research I enjoy hiking, skiing, and playing the flute!
I am currently seeking PhD opportuntities for Fall 2027!!!
Preston Muirhead, MA Student
Lauren Campbell, Lab Manager
Undergraduates:
Jovana Simic
Julia Kennedy
Paige Hinkley
Jamie Axelrod