MICHIGAN BOTANICAL SOCIETY

SOUTHWESTERN CHAPTER PROGRAM

Fantastic worlds of/in/on pitchers and leaves

Kadeem J. Gilbert, Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University

Monday October 17, 2022 @ 7:00 PM

Peoples Church, 1758 10th St. N, Kalamazoo MI 49009

(Socializing begins at 6:30)

This talk will cover some of my work investigating the role that pitcher traits in Nepenthes pitcher plants play in their interactions with prey, symbionts, and herbivores. I will also talk a little about ongoing work investigating a particular leaf trait (pH regulation) that may apply broadly to other, non-carnivorous plants.

Kadeem Gilbert is an ecologist/evolutionary biologist based at Michigan State University’s Kellogg Biological Station.  His research focuses on symbiotic interactions between plants and other organisms (including insects and microbes).  He also specializes on the natural history, ecology, and evolution of carnivorous plants—especially the tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes).  He earned his PhD in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University in 2019 and has a BS in Natural Resources with a concentration in Applied Ecology from Cornell University (2012).  Prior to starting a faculty position at KBS in August 2021, he was a postdoctoral fellow at Penn State, funded by a USDA-NIFA fellowship.

All indoor programs are at the People’s Church, 1758 N 10th St, Kalamazoo, 49009.  Socializing begins at 6:30 pm and the programs begin at 7:00 pm.  Non-members are always welcome to join us for programs and field trips.  Masks are recommended but not required in the church.