My research is in systematics, the science that names, classifies and determines the evolutionary relationships of living things. My laboratory explores all types of systematic problems ranging from the identification and circumscription of species, to the biogeography, evolution and phylogenetics of higher-level taxa. Although I work on all types of vascular plants, my primary focus is on species from the sedge family (Cyperaceae), a truly remarkable group characterized by its exceptional diversity (ca. 5000 species), varied habitats (deserts to rain forests), unusual cytology (2n = 12 to 112) and diverse biogeographical patterns (e.g., Gondwanan, bipolar). To explore such diverse subjects, my laboratory uses both traditional morphological and anatomical methods as well as modern molecular techniques (e.g., DNA sequencing, microsatellites, AFLPs, etc.). Visit my Homepage for more information on my research, publications, and advantages of working in my laboratory at the Canadian Museum of Nature.

Systematics is the science that names, classifies and determines the evolutionary relationships of living things. My research spans the breadth of systematic problems from the identification and circumscription of species, to the biogeography, evolution and phylogenetics of higher-level taxa. To resolve such diverse subjects, my laboratory uses both traditional methods and modern molecular techniques (e.g., DNA sequencing, microsatellites, AFLPs, etc.).

Starr, J. R., & B. A. Ford.. Phylogeny and evolution in Cariceae (Cyperaceae): current knowledge and future directions. The Botanical Review 75: 110-137., 2009 Starr, J. R., R. F. C. Naczi, & B. N. Chouinard.. Plant DNA barcodes and species resolution in sedges (Carex, Cyperaceae). Molecular Ecology Resources (in press)., 2009 Ford, B. A., R. F. C. Naczi, & J. R. Starr.. Carex sect. Phyllostachyae: the value of a multidisciplinary approach in conducting systematics studies in sedges. In Sedges: uses, diversity, and systematics of the Cyperaceae. eds. R. F. C. Naczi and B. A. Ford. Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden 108: 227-242., 2008 Simpson, D. A., A. M. Muasya, M. V. Alves, J. J. Bruhl, M. W. Chase, C. A. Furness, K. Ghamkhar, P. Goetghebeur, T. R. Hodkinson, A. D. Marchant, A. A. Reznicek, E. H. Roalson, E. Smets, J. R. Starr, W. W. Thomas, K. L. Wilson, & X. Zhang.. Phylogeny of Cyperaceae based on DNA sequence data: a new rbcL analysis. Aliso 23: 72-83., 2007 Joly, S., J. R. Starr, W. H. Lewis, and A. Bruneau. Polyploid and hybrid evolution in roses east of the Rocky Mountains. American Journal of Botany 93: 412-425., 2006