What generates plant diversity?

Research Join the lab

White-flowering Monarda — *Monarda reedii* in Virginia

Research areas

Speciation genomics and systematics

We study evolution using genome sequencing and computation, as well as fieldwork, collections-based research, and greenhouse experiments. We get excited about any North American angiosperm system, with previous work focusing on Monarda (Lamiaceae), Phlox (Polemoniaceae), and Pedicularis (Orobanchaceae).

Close view of the vivid pink tubular flower of Monarda eplingiana

Monarda eplingianaMexico

Methods and theory

We develop open software and theory for phylogenomics, population genomics, and high-throughput data processing. Our previous work has focused on phylogenomic simulations, theory about the coalescent with recombination, phylogenetic network inference, and selfing rate inference.

Natural history at scale

We use fieldwork, herbarium collections, and community science data to document patterns in the world around us, focused especially on flower color, phenology, taxonomy, and biogeography. We combine this work with technological advances like computer vision and AI to study natural history at unprecedented scales.

Selected publications

Recent work

All publications on Google Scholar

2026 Phlox derelicta (Polemoniaceae), a new species in the eastern United StatesFloden & McKenzie · Phytotaxa 2026 High-throughput iNaturalist image analysis reveals flower color divergence in Monarda fistulosaMcKenzie, Church & Hopkins · The American Naturalist 2026 Detecting introgression from phylogenetic invariant site patterns using machine learningMcKenzie & Eaton · Applications in Plant Sciences 2026 iNaturalist-facilitated rediscovery of Monarda mexicana (Lamiaceae) in high-elevation habitats of Durango, MexicoMcKenzie, González Gallegos & Carrera Díaz · Phytotaxa 2026 Estimating waiting distances between genealogy changes under a multi-species extension of the sequentially Markov coalescentMcKenzie & Eaton · Systematic Biology 2025 Delayed flowering phenology of red-flowering plants in response to hummingbird migrationMcKenzie, Berardi & Hopkins · Current Biology

Field notes · 31 July 2026

Introducing the McKenzie Lab

The McKenzie Lab opens in Oregon State University’s Department of Botany and Plant Pathology in Fall 2026.

Read the blog

Join the lab

Interested in plant evolution, natural history, genomics, or computational biology? Join us!

Contact Patrick

Current contact: patrick.mckenzie@oregonstate.edu

Prospective graduate students

RECRUITING. Send a short note about your research interests and relevant experience, why our lab might be a good fit, and include a CV. Formal applications are made through OSU. Graduate school is about learning, and you don't have to know it all right off the bat... I'll be looking for people who are enthusiastic about doing science and who will contribute positively to the lab community.

Undergraduate researchers

RECRUITING. OSU undergraduates can send a short note describing their interests, availability, and relevant coursework or experience. I'm excited to bring undergraduates into the lab and can work with you to scope your project appropriately based on your goals.

Postdocs and collaborators

No current funded opportunities, unfortunately, but stay tuned. In the meantime, please contact Patrick to discuss collaborations or independently funded postdoctoral proposals related to the lab’s research.