Jacob Suissa, Ph.D. he/him

(Principal Investigator, Curator of Ferns UT Herbarium; Visiting Scholar at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University)

I am an evolutionary biologist focused on the evolution of plant form. To answer these questions I study ferns, one of the oldest and most diverse plant lineages. 

I believe that art and science are two sides of the same coin. Plants, with their diversity of shapes, colors, and structures, provide a perfect medium for displaying this integration. In addition to my work as a scholar, I am an avid nature photographer and science communicator, using plants to inspire people to enjoy and appreciate the natural world. 

Email: jsuissa@utk.edu       CV   

Dusty Prater he/him (Doctoral student)

Born and raised in Notchy Creek, Tennessee, my love for the natural world and all life forms was instilled in me from a young age. That love has led me to study biology at Roane State Community College and then Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville as an undergraduate, finishing in Spring 2023. During that time, I became fascinated by plants—specifically ferns—and their dispersal mechanisms. This fascination has led me to pursue a masters degree in the BotanEE lab studying the evolution and ecophysiology of the Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) across its latitudinal range in North America. When I am not studying ferns, you can find me tutoring students, hanging out with friends, reading a good novel, or volunteering with local nonprofits. 

Email: dprater6@vols.utk.edu  Website link

Susana Vega Betancur (Doctoral student)

I grew up in a rural area of Medellin, Colombia surrounded by tropical forest and mountains. My early experiences in the biodiversity of Colombia helped hone my passion for plants and fieldwork. I worked for four years as a research assistant for the NSF funded Ferns of Colombia project traveling all over the country collecting rare and new species. I have also studied the taxonomy, morphology, and nomenclature of Neotropical Selaginella species for more than 8 years. For my PhD, I plan to continue studying Selaginella but from an evolutionary perspective. When I'm not studying Selaginella I like to swim, be outside, travel, and drink coffee.

Email: svegabet@vols.utk.edu

Justyn Koenig (Research Associate and Laboratory Manager)

I am a botanist and horticulturist with a deep appreciation and curiosity for the botanical world. My lifelong passion for botany led me to earn a B.S. in both Plant Sciences and Biological Sciences from the University of Rhode Island, followed by an M.N.S. in Biological Sciences from Louisiana State University. This background has guided a career spanning from the greenhouse to the laboratory. Outside of work, I enjoy propagating and growing plants, hiking, and reading about grassland ecosystems. 

Email: jkoenig6@utk.edu 

Emilio J. Trujillo (Visiting Scholar)

I am a botanist from the high Andes of Ecuador with a love for plants, their systematics, and natural history. Since early in my career, I’ve been involved with Ecuadorian herbaria, where I’ve learned about the country’s plant diversity while taking part in research projects, especially in high-altitude ecosystems. Along the way, I’ve also spent a lot of time doing fieldwork across Neotropical ecosystems, which has helped shape how I understand plants in their natural environments. These days I’m interested in many plant groups, but ferns have definitely taken over my scientific curiosity, especially arborescent ferns, their vasculature, and how they are trees without wood. When I’m not thinking about plants, you’ll probably find me hiking around volcanoes, grabbing a good coffee, or taking photos.

Email: ejtrujillo@puce.edu.ec 

Rodrigo Faleiro de Lima, PhD (Postdoctoral fellow)

I am a Brazilian forestry engineer with a PhD in Botany and a deep love for plants and forests. I have always been fascinated by the diversity of plant life and the many ways plants interact with their environments. Throughout my academic journey, my curiosity has led me to explore different areas of plant science, including anatomy and physiology, and I am always excited to learn something new about the plant world. I have had the opportunity to study and conduct research in Brazil and Mexico, experiences that have shaped both my scientific interests and my appreciation for the diversity of ecosystems. Outside of science, I enjoy reading, running in parks, playing video games, dancing, traveling, and spending time surrounded by nature. I also love visiting museums and learning about the history of the world, from ancient civilizations to the formation of our Solar System.

Email: ejtrujillo@puce.edu.ec 

Blake Califf he/him (Undergraduate research intern Ecology & Evolutionary Biology) 

Since a young age, I have been fascinated by the natural world. I enjoy studying biology because it proves there is always an answer to questions regarding our planet. I plan to take what I learn as a member of the BotanEE lab and apply it when I eventually pursue a postgraduate degree. When I am not in the lab or out doing fieldwork, I am on the soccer pitch, exploring the city of Knoxville, or cheering on my fellow Vols at sporting events.

Makenna Wevick (Undergraduate research intern) 

As a kid growing up near Nashville, I was often found playing with worms and catching butterflies in my yard. This is where my first fascination with nature started. It eventually grew into a brief interest in foraging, then into an interest in the plants themselves. Now, I am currently a junior with a major in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and a minor in Entomology and Plant Pathology. I am super excited to a part of this lab and to be able to dig deeper into ferns with my fellow researchers! When I'm not studying, you can find me curled up with my cat or painting with my friends.  

Ava Sabatini (Undergraduate research intern) 

I grew up in the Chattanooga area and spent much of my time there outside photographing insects and birds and exploring the forests near my house. Since I began my undergraduate degree in Evolutionary and Ecological Biology, I have become fascinated by plants and their ecological importance and development. I am now a junior, and that love of plants has only grown. I am looking forward to diving deeper into fern coevolution in the lab and working alongside so many awesome peers. Outside of class, you can find me hiking, rock climbing, shooting a roll of film, or starting a new crafting project!

Adam Fields (Undergraduate research intern) 

Being a kid in East Tennessee, I was surrounded by the natural beauty of wildlife. Looking at all the different plants made me curious as to why there were so many and where they all came from. I have always been interested in biology and making things which led me to choose my major of biomedical engineering. After I graduate with my bachelors degree I would like to go to graduate school to research the intersection between plant science and medicine. From working in this lab I hope to learn more about the microscopic world and what secrets hide beyond the surface of what we can see. Outside of the lab I enjoy crocheting, gardening, and cooking.

Leah Manning (Undergraduate research intern) 

I was born and raised in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and grew up surrounded by the incredible biodiversity of the Appalachian Mountains. I have loved the outdoors since I was young and am now pursuing a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. After graduating from The University of Tennessee - Knoxville, I hope to go to graduate school to study more about evolutionary ecology and the natural history of our planet. I am so excited to work in the lab and study one of the most ancient plant life forms! In my free time, I love hiking, crafting, and babysitting my nephew.

Wallace (Botanical guardian)

When I am not busy eating or playing, I enjoy botanizing in local natural areas. With my dense coat that catches all the hitchhiking fruits and seeds, I am a great companion to the botanical world! I am particularly fond of wood anatomy and I am pretty good at identifying hardwoods and softwoods. 

Perhaps You?

Are you interested in studying how plants function, develop, and evolve? Come join the lab!

If you are interested in joining the lab as a research technician, postdoctoral fellow, graduate student, or artist in residence please reach out. If you would like to learn more how graduate school works, check out this site!

For lab inquiries email us at: botaneelabutk@gmail.com