Gaynor Lab

Hi, my name is Shelly (see About). My general research interest is polyploidy evolution and population genetics.

In January 2027, I will be starting as an Assistant Professor at Florida State University in the Ecology & Evolution Division within the Department of Biological Science. My lab group is called the "GEEP" lab, which stands for Gaynor Ecology and Evolution of Polyploids.

I will be recruiting graduate students to start in Fall 2027. I also have funding for a postdoctoral researcher and a technician starting Spring 2027 - please send me an email if your interested!

Find out more about the GEEP lab's research (see Research), software (see Software), and the people who contribute (see People).

Note, this website is currently being updated.

Whole Genome Duplication

Our research broadly encompasses ecology and evolution of flowering plants, with a specific focus on genome size diversity in the form of whole-genome duplication, or polyploidy. Our general research interest is polyploidy evolution and population genetics. We get excited about any system with multiple ploidal levels! This includes Galax urceolata (Diapensiaceae), Larrea tridentata (Zygophyllaceae), and more!

Find out more about our research (and polyploidy) on our Research page!

Close view the flowers of Galax urceolata

Methods and Theory

Our research connects organismal biology with theoretical biology, often developing genomic and computation methods along the way. We have built tools for analyzing population genetic data, downloading occurrence records, predicting ploidal level from sequence data, and more!

We are passionate about creating open-source software that others can build upon. Find out more about our Software software on our Software page!

Join the Lab

In Spring 2027, the Gaynor Lab will get started at Florida State University in the Department of Biological Science. My lab group is called the "GEEP" lab, which stands for Gaynor Ecology and Evolution of Polyploids.

Interested in polyploids plant evolution, population genetics, or computational biology? Join the "GEEP" lab!

To find out more about the current lab group and the principal investigator see People!

If you are interested in joining the lab, please send me an email with a CV/resume and a brief explanation of your research interests and your career goals. Undergraduates, please include your course schedule for the semester when reaching out!

Current contact: shellyleegaynor at gmail.com

Undergraduate Researchers

Interested in plant evolution? Undergraduates researchers are welcome to reach out if they are interested in joining the lab.

Finishing your B.S. soon? See more below!

Prospective Graduate Students

My lab is open to both Ph.D. and master students through the Ecology and Evolution area in Biological Sciences at FSU - applications are due December 1st! Please reach out to me before applying.

Some logistics: Graduate students are currently funded through 12 month teaching assistantships available through the department. As of Fall 2026, Ph.D. stipends are $29,873 and master stipends are $28,769. Fees and health insurance cost differ based on residency status.

Postdoctoral Researcher

I have funding to support a postdoctoral researcher during my first three years at FSU. The postdoctoral researcher ideally will focus on theoretical and empirical mixed-cytotype population genomics.

I am also always open to work with potential postdoctoral researchers on fellowship and/or grant applications. FSU currently allows postdoctoral researchers to serve as PI on research grants.

Research Technician

I have funding to support a technician during my first three years at FSU. The technician will help with lab work including flow cytometry for genome size estimation and DNA sequencing preparation.