Carolyn Graham

I am currently a PhD candidate in the department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. My research is focused on plant-insect interactions and correlated trait evolution in the wild grape genus, Vitis. As sessile organisms, plants cannot run away or evade animals that want to eat them. As a result, plants have evolved a diverse array of strategies to deter herbivory. My research program seeks to identify the patterns and drivers of this defense trait diversity. I am particularly interested in studying indirect plant defenses that recruit mutualist bodyguards, such as mite domatia and food bodies, as well as less-known physical defense traits like calcium oxalate phytoliths. I am also passionate about science mentorship and education.