We are hiring a postdoc!

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the lab. This 2-year, full-time position will focus on the hydraulics of seed-free plants, with an emphasis on mechanisms of drought tolerance. Start date: ~August 2026 More information here.

To apply, please send your CV, a summary of research interests and experiences, and the contact information of three references to Jacob Suissa (jsuissa@utk.edu). 

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 he/him (Research Associate and Laboratory Manager)

I have been hooked on plants since I was a child. My love and curiosity of the botanical world led me to getting my B.S. in Plant Sciences and Biological Sciences from the University of Rhode Island. My interest in pteridophyte ecology and evolution was sparked during that time and ultimately led to me joining the BotanEE lab. When I am not in the lab you can find me outside looking for ferns and lycophytes, hunting for fossils, or reading about the prairie. 

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 

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.