Molecular Systematics, Biogeography and Evolution of Marine and Freshwater Algae Dr. Frederick W. Zechman's research is focused on the molecular systematics and ecology of marine and freshwater green algae, organisms that are common to the California coast, vernal pools of the San Joaquin Valley and the rivers and streams of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences for these algae will address morphological and molecular character evolution, and the historical pattern of marine and freshwater ecological radiations. Other components of research in the Zechman Lab is focused on the evolution and biogeography of the pantropical coral reef-inhabiting alga, Caulerpa and related genera. These investigations will provide contributions to our understanding of evolutionary relationships within the green plant lineage, the biodiversity of marine and freshwater habitats, and rates and patterns of molecular evolution in aquatic organisms.