Facilities

In addition to our herbarium's c. 23,000 preserved specimens stored in modern, museum-quality specimen cabinets situated on a compacter system, our Herbarium is equipped with a variety of resources and equipment for systematic studies. Among these is a Botanical Library, Light Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy facilities, a Molecular Systematics Lab, and Computers. Below is more information about each of these facilities.

Botanical Library

The Herbarium is equipped with a library consisting of an in-house component with several thousand books and bound journal volumes with an emphasis on floristic, taxonomic, and botanical reference literature. Additionally, 5 computer stations allow access to the University's extended digital and paper library resources. Along with the specimen collections, the library forms the crux of all education and research that takes place in the Herbarium.

 

Scanning Electron Microscopy

We purchased a new Hitachi SU3900 scanning electron microscope in 2022 through a grant from the National Science Foundation. It replaced our Amray 1820 SEM. SEMs use electrons instead of light to image a sample. Electrons have finer resolving capability than photons, and so much greater resolutions and magnifications can be obtained with the SEM relative to a light microscope. Magnifications typically used with our SEM range from just 15x (comparable to that of the stereomicroscope or some hand lenses) to 40,000x or more. Our SEM is attached to a computer with software allowing for high-resolution digital imaging of the subject. Associated with our SEM is a critical point dryer and sputter coater for specimen preparation, and spacious dessicator cabinets for storage of prepared specimens.Our SEM has been used for a variety of educational and research activities, leading to a number of student projects and publications as referenced below.

Sample Student Research with the SEM (including all of Biology)
Ordered by year then student last name. Student's graduation date indicated in brackets

  • Nieves M[MU '25]. 2023. Forensic microscopy of Phytolacca americana seeds to aid medical examiners in death investigations. A Biology Independent Study Project. Advisor: Dr. Christopher Hardy.
  • Moyer JK[MU '10]. 2010. Sex pheromone reception in elasmobranchs: an investigation using Mustelus canis and Carcharhinus plumbeus. A Biology Departmental Honors Thesis. Advisor: Dr. Dominique Didier.
  • Ryndock J[MU '09]. 2009. Floral morphology and organogenesis in Tinantia pringlei (Commelinaceae). A Biology Independent Study Project. Advisor: Dr. Christopher R. Hardy.
  • Sloat LL[MU '06]. 2006. Biogeographic and flora organogenic studies in the dayflower, Commelina communis (Commelinaceae). A Biology Departmental Honors Thesis. Advisor: Dr. Christopher R. Hardy.

Sample Peer-reviewed Publications & Book Chapters Using the SEM
Ordered by year then author (bold-face = Herbarium or Biology author; * = student author followed by graduation year).

  • Hardy CR. 2012. A primer on forensic microscopy. Pp 107-118 (Chapter 6) in DW Hall, JH Byrd (eds) Forensic Botany: A Practical Guide. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. London.
  • Hardy CR, J Ryndock*[MU '09]. 2012. Floral morphology and organogenesis in Tinantia pringlei, along with a review of floral developmental variation in the spiderwort family, Commelinaceae. Botanical Review 78 (4): 416-427.
  • Hardy CR, LL Sloat*[MU '06], RB Faden. 2009. Floral organogenesis and the developmental basis for pollinator deception in the Asiatic dayflower Commelina communis (Commelinaceae). American Journal of Botany 96: 1236-1244.

 

Light Microscopy

The Herbarium is equipped with 5 longarm, tabletop stereomicroscopes for working with herbarium specimens and, in an adjacent lab, a regular stereomicroscope attached to a digital camera system for observations and imaging of fresh or pickled material. The stereomicroscopes allow for magnificaitons of up to 70x. A compound microscope capable of magnifications ranging from 40x to 1000x is stationed in the lab adjacent to the Herbarium. It also has digital imaging capability. The light microscopes are regularly used in a variety of classes and research projects, and their use has led to a number of publications as referenced below (bold-face = herbarium author; * = student author).

  • Hardy CR, CD Steinhart. 2013. Forensic botany in the resolution of an agricultural vandalism case. Journal of Forensic Identification 63: 144-154.
  • Hardy CR. 2012. A primer on forensic microscopy. Pp 107-118 (Chapter 6) in DW Hall, JH Byrd (eds) Forensic Botany: A Practical Guide. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. London.
  • Hardy CR, DS Martin*[MU '11]. 2012. Plants and wildlife forensics. Pp 145-160 (Chapter 9) in JE Huffman, JR Wallace (eds) Wildlife Forensics: Methods and Applications. Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, London.
  • Hardy CR, J Ryndock*[MU '09]. 2012. Floral morphology and organogenesis in Tinantia pringlei, along with a review of floral developmental variation in the spiderwort family, Commelinaceae. Botanical Review 78 (4): 416-427.
  • Hardy CR, JR Wallace. 2012. Algae in forensic investigations. Pp 145-173 (Chapter 9) in DW Hall, JH Byrd (eds) Forensic Botany: A Practical Guide. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. London.
  • Hardy CR, LL Sloat*[MU '06], RB Faden. 2009. Floral organogenesis and the developmental basis for pollinator deception in the Asiatic dayflower Commelina communis (Commelinaceae). American Journal of Botany 96: 1236-1244.
  • Parks JC (adapted). 2007. Lycopodiaceae: clubmass family. Pp 63-68 in Rhoads AF, TA Block (eds) The plants of Pennsylvania: an illustrated manual, 2nd ed. University of Pennsylvania Press.
  • Parks JC, JD Montgomery (adapted). 2007. Polypodiaceae s.l. (Fern Family). Pp 78-105 in Rhoads AF, TA Block (eds) The plants of Pennsylvania: an illustrated manual, 2nd ed. University of Pennsylvania Press.
  • Dyer AF, JC Parks, S Lindsay. 2000. Historical review of the uncertain taxonomic status of Cystopteris dickieana R.Sim (Dickie's bladder fern). Edinburgh Journal of Botany 57 (1): 71-81.
  • Parks JC, AF Dyter, S Lindsay. 2000. Allozyme, spore and frond variation in some Scottish populations of the ferns Cystopteris dickieana and Cystopteris fragilis. Edinburgh Journal of Botany 57 (1): 83-105.
  • Parks JC. 2000. Lycopodiaceae. Pp 64-70 in Rhoads AF, TA Block (eds) The plants of Pennsylvania: an illustrated manual. Universithy of Pennslyvania Press.
  • Parks JC, JD Montgomery. 2000. Ferns. Pp 71-106 in Rhoads AF, TA Block (eds) The plants of Pennsylvania: an illustrated manual. Universithy of Pennslyvania Press.
  • Parks JC, KA Mosser. 1998. A morphological and allozymal study of a Cystoperis tennesseensis (Dryopteridaceae) population: first report of the species in Lancaster County, PA. Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Sciences 71 (2): 78-83.
  • Parks JC. 1989. Distribution of gametophytic populations of Vittaria and Trichomanes in Pennsylvania. Rhodora 91: 201-206.
  • Parks JC. 1985. Erigenia bulbosa in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Bartonia 51.
  • Stober SS*[MU '84], JC Parks. 1985. Chromosomal studies of Physalis virginiana var. subglabrata and Physalis heterophylla. Bartonia 51: 65-68.
  • Parks JC. 1984. A first report of the fern genus Vittaria in New York. Rhodora 86 (848): 421-423.
  • Parks JC. 1984. New Pennsylvania locality of Cryptogramma stelleri. Bartonia 50: 63.
  • Parks JC. 1983. The fern genera Vittaria and Trichomanes in the Northeastern United States. Rhodora 85 (841): 83-92.
  • Parks JC. 1973. A revision of North American and Caribbean Melanthera (Compositae). Rhodora 75: 169-210.
  • Parks JC. 1969. Simple technique for demonstrating chromosomal coils using Tradescantia pollen mother cells. Proceedings of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 43: 61-63.  

 

Molecular Systmatics Lab

A lab attached to the Herbarium is equipped with equipment for molecular systematic studies. These include one standard and one analytical balance, two microcentrifuges, a minicentrifuge, a beadmill for tissue homogenization and DNA extraction, a gradient thermal cycler for PCR, and electrophoresis rigs for gel electrophoresis and analysis of DNA extracts and PCR products. Additionally, two -20 C and one -80 C freezers are available for storage of DNA and reagents. AFLP or sequencing analysis can be performed one floor up in a nearby lab on our Li-Cor 4300 Genetic Analyzer or through the use of commerical biotech companies.

Sample Student Research with the SEM (including all of Biology)
Ordered by year then student last name. Student's graduation date indicated in brackets

  • Lynn DL[MU '23]. 2023. Clarification of the morphology and taxonomy of tubers of the taro vegetable complex in North American produce markets. A Biology Departmental Honors Thesis. Advisor: Dr. Christopher Hardy.
  • Modica DM[MU '23]. 2023. DNA-barcode identification, systematics, and ethnobotany of the Allium green onion vegetable complex in North American markets. A Biology Departmental Honors Thesis. Advisor: Dr. Christopher Hardy.

Computers

The Herbarium is equipped with several computers and associated software for phylogenetic analysis, GIS, digital art and design, as well as the use and development of the Website and various applications in biodiversity informatics, including WikiPLantAtlas.org, digital taxonomic keys, and educational posters. These computers are used in various classes, all research projects, and have been used to produce a number of publications, too numerous to list. The list below are publications that specifically have made use of our computers and software for phylogenetics, GIS, art & design, and Web or app development (bold-face = Herbarium author; * = student author).

Phylognetic Analysis

  • Warren BH, FT Bakker, DU Bellstedt, B Bytebier, R Claßen-Bockhoff, LL Dreyer, D Edwards, F Forest, C Galley, CR Hardy, HP Linder, AM Muasya, K Mummenhoff, KC Oberlander, M Quint, JE Richardson, V Savolainen, BD Schrire, T van der Niet, GA Verboom, C Yesson, JA Hawkins. 2011. Consistent phenological shifts in the making of a biodiversity hotspot: the Cape flora. BMC Evolutionary Biology 11: 39.
  • Linder HP, CR Hardy. 2010. A generic classification of the Restioneae (Restionaceae), southern Africa. Bothalia 40: 1-35.
  • Hardy CR, P Moline, HP Linder. 2008. A Phylogeny for the African Restionaceae, and New Perspectives on Morphology's Role in Generating Complete Species Phylogenies for Large Clades. International Journal of Plant Sciences 169: 377-390.
    (click here for supporting electronic appendices, matrices, and cladograms)

Web & Digital Application Development

  • Hardy CR, J Marks*[MU '13]. 2013. Doug Fir's guide to Christmas Trees, ver. 2.0. An app for Android smartphones available at Google Play.
  • Hardy CR, J Marks*[MU '13]. 2012. Doug Fir's guide to Christmas Trees. An app for Android smartphones available at Google Play.
  • Hardy CR, NW Hardy. 2008. WikiPlantAtlas. An website for the dissemination and collection of plant occurrence data. Available on the World Wide Web at http://www.wikiplantatlas.org.
  • Hardy CR, NW Hardy. 2008. Simple biodiversity mashups for non-tech-savvy biologists: a demonstration using the liana flora of Pennsylvania, USA. Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society 135: 585-594.