James Fortin, Research Assistant

As a new research assistant, James is attempting to master diverse microscopy techniques and other laboratory skills while exploring his interests in unusual plants.  During his DaRin Butz internship (’22), he studied the morphology and development of pores on the gametophytes of hornworts (Anthocerotae).  With further research, he hopes to shed light on the controversy over whether these pores, which serve to admit endosymbiotic, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, might be homologous to the stomata found on the sporophytes of most extant plants.  James is also currently investigating potential interparental genetic conflict and imprinting in Illicium parviflorum, a relative of star anise and member of a clade basal to most flowering plants.  Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and SCUBA diving.