Lichen Evolution and Diversity Program

Dr. Manuela Dal Forno's research program addresses many questions involving evolution, ecology, and genetics utilizing lichen symbioses as models. Her interests can be categorized into three main areas: lichen systematics, microbiome evolution, and genomics.

Current Research

Lichen Genomics

Genomics Era in Lichenology

The study of distinct lineages as part of the lichen symbiosis opens a myriad of interesting and yet to be explored questions.

Lichen Microbiome

Microbiome Over Time and Space

Our understanding of microbiome diversity and functionality in organisms and systems has rapidly advanced as new technologies have been developed and have become more accessible.

Lichen Systematics

Collections-Based Research and Phylogenetics

As models for symbiosis, lichens contain many completely unrelated associates with separate evolutionary histories.