Todd Barkman

Photo of Todd Barkman
Todd Barkman
Professor of Biological Sciences
Office: 
(269) 387-5610
Location: 
3437 Wood Hall, Mail Stop 5410
Mailing address: 
Department of Biological Sciences
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5410 USA
Education: 
  • Postdoctorate, Pennsylvania State University, 1998-00
  • Ph.D., Botany, University of Texas, 1998
  • M.S., Botany, Michigan State University, 1993
  • B.S., Botany, Michigan State University, 1990
Research interests: 
  • Evolutionary biochemistry
  • Plant systematics
  • Molecular evolution
Bio: 

Dr. Todd Barkman is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University.

His laboratory research is focused on understanding how protein function evolves. In particular, his lab studies enzymes of the SABATH multigene family. To examine these questions they use a combination of statistical and experimental approaches. Other topics of study involve the use of DNA sequence data to examine questions about the systematics, evolution and conservation of plant species. Barkman has specific interests in tropical species found in Southeast Asia (especially Malaysia).

Barkman's research topics include:

  • The evolution of protein function and biochemical pathways.
  • The systematics and evolution of parasitic plants
  • Systematics and biogeography of Schefflera (now Heptapleurum) 

Students in Barkman's laboratory:

  • Peter Quakenbush, Ph.D. degree program

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