The Rana Lab | Plant Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Youngstown State University
The Rana Lab investigates how plants adapt, persist, and evolve in a rapidly changing world by integrating genomics, ecology, and functional biology. We use whole-genome sequencing, transcriptomics, and environmental data to uncover the genetic and regulatory mechanisms underlying climate resilience, invasion success, and adaptive variation. Our research develops predictive frameworks, such as genomic seed zones, conservation, and sustainable plant management under future climates. By linking genes to phenotypes and ecosystems, we aim to translate genomic insights into actionable solutions for real-world environmental challenges. We foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment, training students in integrative, data-driven approaches at the intersection of evolution, ecology, and genomics.
Carl F. Chuey Herbarium (YUO), Youngstown State University
The Carl F. Chuey Herbarium is housed in Ward Beecher Hall at Youngstown State University (YSU). Originally established as the YUO Herbarium, it was renamed in 2015 to honor the late Professor Carl F. Chuey, who devoted nearly five decades of his career to building and curating the collection.
Collection
Scale: Today, the herbarium holds over 115,000 plant specimens, making it the fourth largest herbarium in Ohio.
Geographic Scope: The specimens represent all 50 U.S. states and more than 90 countries across six continents, with a strong emphasis on the flora of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Diversity: The collection includes rare and notable specimens, some linked to the description of new species—such as Asarum chueyi, a wild ginger named in honor of Chuey by one of his former students.
Digitization: As of 2024, the herbarium’s holdings are being digitized, expanding global access to its resources.
Visiting and Purpose
The herbarium supports a wide range of scientific and educational endeavors, from species identification and taxonomy to conservation biology and ecological research. Located at the heart of the YSU campus, it continues to serve as a valuable resource for faculty, students, and the wider research community.
Future Research Avenues
The Carl F. Chuey Herbarium is not only a historical archive but also a living research resource. I welcome and encourage future projects that leverage its specimens for:
Climate change and phenology studies – analyzing shifts in flowering and fruiting times over decades.
Genomic and phylogenomic research – using DNA from herbarium specimens to study plant evolution and adaptation.
Conservation planning – identifying vulnerable species and habitats for protection.
Biogeography and invasion biology – tracing the spread of native and non-native species across regions.
Hyperspectral Imaging – advancing herbarium specimen to study plant evolution.