Madsen, Kathleen

I am an evolutionary ecologist that studies how species interactions, both physical and biological, causes evolutionary change. I study biological patterns and processes in plants that are controlled by environmental variation at both the macro- and microevolutionary scales.

Currently, I am focused on how soil variation can influence plant ecology and evolution. The insights derived from my research extend beyond my immediate study system of gypsum outcrops to encompass similar ecosystems influenced by comparable processes and pressures. Specifically, my ongoing investigation into endemic species on restrictive soils contributes to understanding the conservation and restoration of these species, many of which are rare and endangered. Gypsum soil presents a challenging environment for most plants, yet certain species have evolved to survive under these harsh soil conditions and are narrowly endemic to them. As climate change poses increasing threats to narrowly endemic species, these gypsum- adapted plants have garnered more attention. Additionally, the commercial use of gypsum that is excavated through mining and removal of the soils adds pressure to these endemic communities, as mining activities frequently destroy gypsum ecosystems. My research focuses on the dynamics of soil-associated endemic communities on gypsum, investigating the evolutionary implications of living on isolated soil islands amidst more commonly available soil substrates. Future work will continue to study the ecological and evolutionary consequences of soil specialization.