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barkerms.bsky.social
Mike Barker
@barkerms.bsky.social
4.5K followers 4.8K following 180 posts
Professor & Assoc Dept Head UofA EEB (@uofa-eeb.bsky.social) in Tucson studying plant evolution, botany, polyploidy, chromosomes, and biodiversity. Views are my own. He/Him https://www.barkerlab.net
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barkerms.bsky.social
Mike Barker @barkerms.bsky.social · Oct 24
I'm recruiting PhD students for the Barker Lab @uofa-eeb.bsky.social We study plant evolutionary genomics - polyploidy, hybridization & machine learning for genome evolution. Work with Selaginella, Xanthisma, Brassica & more. Funding available via CAMBIUM Fellowships. Reach out if interested! 🧬🌵🤖
The allotetraploid lycophyte Selaginella rupincola growing among the boulders at Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains southeast of Tucson, Arizona. Xanthisma spinulosum growing outside a gym in Tucson, Arizona. Selaginella arizonica X eremophila hybrid zone at Alamo Canyon in Organ Pipe National Monument. A Dieteria sp. being visited by a skipper in the White Mountains of Arizona.
Reposted by Mike Barker
vscooper.micropopbio.org
This is a disaster. I would not be where I am today without the constructive (and yes, sometimes frustrating) reviews my NSF proposals received as a young investigator. This feedback didn't come from the POs but rather the peer reviewers and panelists who saw how I was trying to enter the field
hleisthen.bsky.social HL Eisthen, defective human product @hleisthen.bsky.social · 15d
NSF now planning to let POs largely decide what gets funded, and to send PIs reviews that are only 3-5 sentences long. They don't have to use outside reviewers (except maybe 1) and don't have to convene panels. (1/5)
NSF pares down grant-review process, reducing influence of outside scientists
Memo cites overburdened staff, but some say move also aims to elevate White House priorities
www.science.org
December 16, 2025 at 2:12 AM
Reposted by Mike Barker
botsocamerica.bsky.social
Differential expression of flavonoid biosynthetic pathway genes drives the production of transgressive pigments in #Nicotiana section Repandae allotetraploids

New #AJB research by @emccnicotiana.bsky.social, @jlandisbotany.bsky.social, et al.

doi.org/10.1002/ajb2... #botany #polyploidy
Front, side, and dissected view photographs of anthesis flowers from Nicotiana section Repandae allopolyploids (N. nudicaulis, N. repanda, and N. stocktonii) and their diploid progenitors N. sylvestris and N. obtusifolia. Nicotiana nudicaulis also has side view flower bud photographs at Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3, which represent 60%, 85%, and 95% of anthesis length, respectively. Nicotiana nudicaulis and N. repanda have transgressive delphinidin pigmentation not found in either progenitor.
December 11, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
jillwegrzyn.bsky.social
Virtual workshop on #genomics analysis for #RadSeq - spaces available still for next week - Dec 16-18th! Live instruction by @noahreid.bsky.social Learn QC through data analysis using common #bioinformatic tools - #Stacks #Freebayes @uconnresearch.bsky.social @cbcuconn.bsky.social
December 9, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Reposted by Mike Barker
nielsjdewinter.bsky.social
Fascinated to learn that we are still discovering new species at the highest rate ever. Mapping Earth's biodiversity is far from over, and while we learn more and more about it, let's protect what we do know as well as we can!
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
The past and future of known biodiversity: Rates, patterns, and projections of new species over time
The number of known species on Earth is increasing rapidly, suggesting unexpectedly large numbers of many groups.
www.science.org
December 8, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Reposted by Mike Barker
carolynplants.bsky.social
Our plant-focused REU program, led by Prof Nagel, is open for applications, please forward to undergrads and reskeet etap.nsf.gov/award/7573/o... 🌱 🧪
NSF Education & Training Application | ETAP
etap.nsf.gov
December 8, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
ptitle.bsky.social
Check out our review/perspective piece on phylogenetic diversification analysis, intended for the 75th anniversary of
@systbiol.bsky.social. I had the privilege of working with great coauthors, @fhenaodiaz.bsky.social, @tvasconcelos.bsky.social and @roszenil.bsky.social!
doi.org/10.1093/sysb...
December 5, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
arunsethuraman.bsky.social
Aaah! New preprint from the Sethuraman Lab has dropped! Tamsen and I have been working on this for a while, and we can’t wait for your feedback. Short thread on our swanky new polyploid genome simulator, DemographiKs, and its functionality.
biorxiv-genomic.bsky.social bioRxiv Genomics @biorxiv-genomic.bsky.social · Nov 20
Hidden in Plain Sight. How Ks histogram dynamics can reveal and obscure ancient whole genome duplications. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.19.689290v1
November 20, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
shellygaynor.bsky.social
New paper just posted with @rschley.bsky.social et al: doi.org/10.1111/nph.... (1/n)
The frequency and importance of polyploidy in tropical rainforest tree radiations
The presence of two or more copies of the genome in an organism, termed ‘polyploidy’, is a crucial force in plant evolution, generating genetic, phenotypic and ecological diversity. The Amazonian tr...
doi.org
November 24, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
lukemusher.bsky.social
I have a new preprint demonstrating a genome-architecture-aware approach to inferring species trees and introgression landscapes from a small number of genomes. If you are interested in phylogenomics, birds, or hybridization, this is for you! www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
December 1, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
copperbae.bsky.social
Last chance to register for Ciencia en Español! There will be a hybrid option too.

uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
December 1, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
barkerms.bsky.social
Please pass along - We've extended the CAMBIUM fellowship deadline to December 15! Our NSF NRT supports new grad students to harness biodiversity big data to adapt to & mitigate climate change impacts. Great fit for evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics, ecology & more. cambium.arizona.edu 🧬🌐🌎
Sonoran Desert landscape looking west across Avra Valley from Tucson Mountain Park. In the foreground, a desert trail winds through cholla cacti, saguaros, ocotillo, and native shrubs. The valley stretches to distant mountain ranges on the horizon under a dramatic sky of blue patches and white cumulus clouds with rays of light breaking through.
November 26, 2025 at 7:19 PM
barkerms.bsky.social
Please pass along - We've extended the CAMBIUM fellowship deadline to December 15! Our NSF NRT supports new grad students to harness biodiversity big data to adapt to & mitigate climate change impacts. Great fit for evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics, ecology & more. cambium.arizona.edu 🧬🌐🌎
Sonoran Desert landscape looking west across Avra Valley from Tucson Mountain Park. In the foreground, a desert trail winds through cholla cacti, saguaros, ocotillo, and native shrubs. The valley stretches to distant mountain ranges on the horizon under a dramatic sky of blue patches and white cumulus clouds with rays of light breaking through.
November 26, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
botsocamerica.bsky.social
BSA’s 2026 awards cycle is now open! Kaplan Lecture, Corresponding Member, two $10k dissertation awards, and Graduate Student Research Awards—all with early 2026 deadlines. Join or renew now to be eligible and take advantage of these opportunities.

www.botany.org/home/awards.html

#BSAawards
A green promotional graphic announcing that several BSA awards are now open. At the top, large white text reads: “These BSA Awards Are Now Open!” Listed below are five award opportunities, each preceded by a small white leaf icon: – Donald R. Kaplan Memorial Lecture Nominations Deadline Jan. 15, 2026 – Corresponding Member Awards Deadline Feb. 2, 2026 – $10,000 – Donald R. Kaplan Dissertation Award in Comparative Morphology Deadline Feb. 2, 2026 – $10,000 – Graduate Student Dissertation Award in Phylogenetic Comparative Plant Biology Deadline Feb. 2, 2026 – $1500 – Graduate Student Research Awards (J.S. Karling Graduate Student Research Award and AJ Harris Graduate Student Research Award) Deadline Feb. 16, 2026 At the bottom is the URL “www.botany.org/home/awards.html,” a QR code, and a close-up image of a bright green leaf. BSA partner logos appear in the lower-left corner.
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
barkerms.bsky.social
Enjoyed a hike at Tucson Mountain Park on a beautiful day in Tucson after rain the last few days!
Sonoran Desert landscape at Tucson Mountain Park with saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, and desert scrub dotting a sandy trail. Rugged brown mountains rise in the background under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds. The photographer's shadow stretches across the rocky ground in the foreground. View west across Avra Valley from Tucson Mountain Park. Dense Sonoran Desert vegetation fills the foreground—cholla cacti glowing in the light, saguaros, palo verdes, and ocotillo. A saguaro-studded hillside rises on the left. The valley floor stretches into the distance with a blue atmospheric haze, distant mountains on the horizon. Sky of white and gray clouds with patches of blue. A trail marker sign is visible at bottom center.
November 24, 2025 at 6:14 AM
Reposted by Mike Barker
barkerms.bsky.social
I'm recruiting PhD students for the Barker Lab @uofa-eeb.bsky.social We study plant evolutionary genomics - polyploidy, hybridization & machine learning for genome evolution. Work with Selaginella, Xanthisma, Brassica & more. Funding available via CAMBIUM Fellowships. Reach out if interested! 🧬🌵🤖
The allotetraploid lycophyte Selaginella rupincola growing among the boulders at Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains southeast of Tucson, Arizona. Xanthisma spinulosum growing outside a gym in Tucson, Arizona. Selaginella arizonica X eremophila hybrid zone at Alamo Canyon in Organ Pipe National Monument. A Dieteria sp. being visited by a skipper in the White Mountains of Arizona.
October 24, 2025 at 5:01 AM
Reposted by Mike Barker
mikegrillo.bsky.social
I am hiring a postdoc to examine the genomic and evolutionary basis of plant microbiome variation in legumes. There are opportunities to gain teaching experience. Chicago is a great city to live in! Please help spread the word.
share.google/gukbzS1zdIx6...
Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Evolutionary Genomics
The postdoctoral researcher will work in Dr. Michael Grillo’s plant evolutionary genetics lab. The goal of this research project is to understand the genomic basis of plant-microbiome variation in leg...
share.google
October 10, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
jeremywyman.bsky.social
This new work investigates rhizotaxy on 3 rhizomorphic lycopsids including the unusual Mississippian-aged Oxroadia. We highlight the development of rhizotaxy on a juvenile Oxroadia as well as on the extant Isoetes. If you’re interested check out academic.oup.com/aob/advance-...
@annbot.bsky.social
November 12, 2025 at 4:45 AM
Reposted by Mike Barker
seanmichaletz.bsky.social
#UBC Botany is hiring an Assistant Professor in Non-Seed Plant Diversity - come work with us in beautiful #Vancouver, BC! Please repost!

academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31140
University of British Columbia, Botany
Job #AJO31140, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN NON-SEED PLANT DIVERSITY (BRYOPHYTES, FERNS, LYCOPHYTES), Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, CA
academicjobsonline.org
November 20, 2025 at 10:10 PM
barkerms.bsky.social
Happening today! Join us to learn more about CAMBIUM NRT Fellowships!
barkerms.bsky.social Mike Barker @barkerms.bsky.social · Nov 3
Join us on Nov 18 at 2:30 PM MST to learn about CAMBIUM grad fellowships in biodiversity informatics & climate change @uarizona.bsky.social. For incoming Fall 2026 students interested in big data, ecology, evolution, climate adaptation & more. Register: events.trellis.arizona.edu/en/f44lNu67/... 🌵🧬🌐
Flyer for CAMBIUM (Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Through Biodiversity Informatics Education and Mentoring) Graduate Research Traineeship program. Right side shows a scenic photograph of tall saguaro cacti against desert mountains. Program highlights listed in a blue box include: professional development training in communication, teamwork, and professionalism; interdisciplinary research rotations; career and professional development; $34,000 stipend with paid tuition, fees, and health insurance coverage for 2 years; and a Certificate in Biodiversity Informatics. A red box announces an informational webinar on November 18th at 2:30 PM MST with link to the CAMBIUM program website at https://cambium.arizona.edu/. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, incoming graduate student status for Fall 2026, and acceptance contingent on graduate program admission. Bottom features a 'Register here!' button with registration link at https://events.trellis.arizona.edu/en/f44lNu67/cambium-informational-webinar-4a3UKgGu6U/overview, along with NSF, University of Arizona, and CAMBIUM NRT logos.
November 18, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
barkerms.bsky.social
Join us on Nov 18 at 2:30 PM MST to learn about CAMBIUM grad fellowships in biodiversity informatics & climate change @uarizona.bsky.social. For incoming Fall 2026 students interested in big data, ecology, evolution, climate adaptation & more. Register: events.trellis.arizona.edu/en/f44lNu67/... 🌵🧬🌐
Flyer for CAMBIUM (Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Through Biodiversity Informatics Education and Mentoring) Graduate Research Traineeship program. Right side shows a scenic photograph of tall saguaro cacti against desert mountains. Program highlights listed in a blue box include: professional development training in communication, teamwork, and professionalism; interdisciplinary research rotations; career and professional development; $34,000 stipend with paid tuition, fees, and health insurance coverage for 2 years; and a Certificate in Biodiversity Informatics. A red box announces an informational webinar on November 18th at 2:30 PM MST with link to the CAMBIUM program website at https://cambium.arizona.edu/. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, incoming graduate student status for Fall 2026, and acceptance contingent on graduate program admission. Bottom features a 'Register here!' button with registration link at https://events.trellis.arizona.edu/en/f44lNu67/cambium-informational-webinar-4a3UKgGu6U/overview, along with NSF, University of Arizona, and CAMBIUM NRT logos.
November 3, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
talbotlabtsl.bsky.social
Dogs have been part of human culture for far longer than previously thought based on genomic evidence from @lachiescarsbrook.bsky.social and team. Great read. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Genomic evidence for the Holocene codispersal of dogs and humans across Eastern Eurasia
As the first domestic species, dogs likely dispersed with different cultural groups during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed 73 ancient dog genomes, including 17 ...
www.science.org
November 13, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
ucdavisplants.bsky.social
🌱 From PNAS: Meristem layers mutate at different rates, with the germline-forming L2 protected and the L1 evolving faster. (Kirk R. Amundson, Mohan P. A. Marimuthu, Oanh Nguyen, Konsam Sarika, Isabelle J. DeMarco, Angelina Phan, Isabelle M. Henry, and Luca Comai)
▶️ www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Spatial variation in the mutation rate within the plant shoot apical meristem | PNAS
The potential impact of new mutations on organismal function and evolution depends on the developmental fate of the affected cells. Stem cells in t...
www.pnas.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
jlsteenwyk.bsky.social
NEW pub in @science.org 🥳

Is it sponges (panels A & B) or comb jellies (C & D) that root the animal tree of life?

For over 15 years, #phylogenomic studies have been divided.

We provide new evidence suggesting that...

🔗: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
November 13, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
phypapers.bsky.social
Phylogenetic patterns over sixty-five years of vegetation change across a montane elevation gradient https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.07.687265v1
November 11, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Reposted by Mike Barker
jessi-rick.bsky.social
If you're interested in working with me on a master's or PhD with questions related to genomics, biodiversity, and climate change, I'd love to chat about the CAMBIUM fellowship! There's an informational webinar next week and applications are due December 1st.
barkerms.bsky.social Mike Barker @barkerms.bsky.social · Nov 3
Join us on Nov 18 at 2:30 PM MST to learn about CAMBIUM grad fellowships in biodiversity informatics & climate change @uarizona.bsky.social. For incoming Fall 2026 students interested in big data, ecology, evolution, climate adaptation & more. Register: events.trellis.arizona.edu/en/f44lNu67/... 🌵🧬🌐
Flyer for CAMBIUM (Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Through Biodiversity Informatics Education and Mentoring) Graduate Research Traineeship program. Right side shows a scenic photograph of tall saguaro cacti against desert mountains. Program highlights listed in a blue box include: professional development training in communication, teamwork, and professionalism; interdisciplinary research rotations; career and professional development; $34,000 stipend with paid tuition, fees, and health insurance coverage for 2 years; and a Certificate in Biodiversity Informatics. A red box announces an informational webinar on November 18th at 2:30 PM MST with link to the CAMBIUM program website at https://cambium.arizona.edu/. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, incoming graduate student status for Fall 2026, and acceptance contingent on graduate program admission. Bottom features a 'Register here!' button with registration link at https://events.trellis.arizona.edu/en/f44lNu67/cambium-informational-webinar-4a3UKgGu6U/overview, along with NSF, University of Arizona, and CAMBIUM NRT logos.
November 10, 2025 at 6:56 PM