Research Interests

• Evolutionary Genetics
• Ecological Genetics
• Population Genetics
• Molecular Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Landscape Genetics
• Genetics of Invasive Species

Current Research Projects
I will be studying the effects of habitat fragmentation, and isolation on Caribbean rock iguanas. I am also studying patterns of local adaptation in sunflowers. I am already collaborating with three GRI fellows, and hope to continue doing so. I have provided genetic data for studying the invasive cactus moth, an ongoing collaboration with Gary Ervin and Chris Brooks in GRI. I have also worked with John Madsen by developing genetic means for identifying invasive populations of cane and watermilfoil.

Most Current Publications:
Pearl, S.A., M.E. Welch, and D.E. McCauley. 2009. Mitochodrial heteroplasmy and paternal leakage in natural populations of Silene vulgaris, a gynodioecious plant. Molecular Biology and Evolution 26: 537-545.

Bryan, J.J., G.P. Gerber, M.E. Welch, and C.L. Stephen. 2007. Re-evaluating the taxonomic status of the Booby Cay Iguana, Cyclura carinata bartschi. Copeia 2007: 734-739.

McCauley, D.E., A.K. Sundby, M.F. Bailey, and M.E. Welch. 2007. Inheritance of chloroplast DNA is not strictly maternal in Silene vulgaris (Caryophylaceae): evidence form experimental crosses and natural populations. American Journal of Botany 94: 1333-1337.

Welch, M.E., M.Z. Darnell, and D.E. McCauley, 2006. Variable populations within variable populations: quantifying mitochondrial heteroplasmy in natural populations of Silene vulgaris. Genetics 174: 829-837. (Featured as Editors Choice in November 17, 2006 issue of Science.)