However, my primary laboratory research interests focus on the systematics, evolution, structure, and conservation of orchids (Orchidaceae) based on integrated studies carried out in the field, herbarium, library, and laboratory. Collaborating with others, I continue to use genomic data to reconstruct the phylogenetic history of orchids with the ultimate goal of producing a robust and stable system of classification for this diverse and charismatic family. My work has contributed extensively to our fundamental knowledge of orchid biology, but I consider myself a specialist on the orchid subfamily Vanilloideae. This ancient clade includes the only orchid of agricultural value, Vanilla, and is pivotal to the study of orchid evolution; several vanilloid orchids are partially or fully mycoheterotrophic and can no longer photosynthesize on their own.