Dr. Mackenzie L. Taylor joined the Department of Biology in 2011 after receiving her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville. Dr. Taylor is a botanist whose research focuses on reproductive biology in flowering plants, primarily pollen development. She offers courses in Botany and Plant Evolution and is a regular contributor to Creighton’s General Biology courses. Dr. Taylor is currently the editor of Plant Science Bulletin. A native of Stuart, Nebraska, Dr. Taylor received her B.A. from Truman State University in 2005.
Research Focus
Evolution of plant reproductive development; Pollen morphology and development; Pollination biology; Flowering plant diversification
Grega, Lisa, Grega, L, A. Novotny, C. Stabile, M.L. Taylor, C.P. Daghlian, and J.M. Osborn. 2018. Aerodynamics of fossil pollen: Implications for understanding pollination biology in extinct plants. In Krings, M., G. Rothwell, C. Harper (eds) Transformative Paleobotany: Papers to Commemorate the Life and Legacy of Thomas N. Taylor. Elsevier., p. 253-269 2018
Osborn, J.M, M.L. Taylor Osborn J.M. and M.L. Taylor. 2010. Pollen and coprolite structure in Cycadeoidea (Bennettitales): Implications for understanding pollination and mating systems in Mesozoic cycadeoids. In Gee C. (ed.) Plants in Deep Mesozoic Time: Morphological Innovations, Phylogeny, and Ecosystems. Indiana University Press, Bloomington, IN. p. 35 – 50. , p. 35-50 2010
Articles
Plant Science Bulletin Jabaily, R.S, J.L. Ison, C.T. Ivey, R.M. McCoy, M.L. Taylor, C.Wu. Preparing for a faculty position at a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI). 69, p. 13-22 2023
American Journal of Botany Taylor, Mackenzie L., Taylor, M.L. B.L. Giffei, C.L. Dang, A.E. Wilden, K.M. Altrichter, E.C. Baker, R. Nguyen, and D.S. Oki. 2020. Reproductive ecology and postpollination development in the hydrophilous monocot Ruppia maritima. 107, p. 689-699 2020
International journal of plant sciences Taylor, Mackenzie L., Taylor M.L., K.M. Altrichter, L.B. Aeilts. 2018. Pollen ontogeny in Ruppia (Alismatidae). 179, p. 217 - 230 2018
American Journal of Botany Taylor, Mackenzie L., Taylor M.L., R.L. Cooper, EL. Schneider, J.M. Osborn. 2015. Pollen structure and development in Nymphaeales: Insights into character evolution in an ancient angiosperm lineage. 102, p. 1685 1702 2015
American Journal of Botany Williams, Joseph H., Williams, Joseph H., Taylor, Mackenzie L., O'Meara, Brian C. Repeated Evolution of Tricellular (And Bicellular) Pollen 101, p. 559-571 2014
International journal of plant sciences Taylor, Mackenzie L., Taylor, Mackenzie L., Hudson, Patrick J., Rigg, Jolene M., Strandquist, Julie N., Green, Julie S., Thiemann, Tara C., Osborn, Jeffrey M. Pollen Ontogeny in Victoria (Nymphaeales) 174, p. 1259-1276 2013
Grana Taylor, Mackenzie L., Taylor, Mackenzie L., Hudson, Patrick J., Rigg, Jolene M., Strandquist, Julie N., Schwartz Green, Julie, Thiemann, Tara C., Osborn, Jeffrey M. Tapetum structure and ontogeny in Victoria (Nymphaeaceae) 51, p. 107-118 2012
Sexual plant reproduction Taylor, Mackenzie L., Taylor, M. L., Williams, J. H. Pollen tube development in two species of Trithuria (Hydatellaceae) with contrasting breeding systems 25, p. 83-96 2012
Annals of Botany Taylor, Mackenzie L. , Taylor M.L., T.D. Macfarlane, and J.H. Williams. 2010. Reproductive ecology of the basal angiosperm Trithuria submersa (Hydatellaceae). 106, p. 909-920 2010
Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society WIliams, J.H., R.T. McNeilage, M.T. Lettre, and M.L. Taylor Pollen tube growth and the pollen tube pathway of Nymphaea odorata (Nymphaeaceae). Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 162: 581 – 593. 162, p. 581-593 2010
International journal of plant sciences Taylor, M.L., J.H. Wiliams Consequences of pollination syndrome evolution for post-pollination biology in an ancient angiosperm family. International Journal of Plant Sciences 170: 584 598. 170, p. 584-598 2009
American Journal of Botany Taylor, M.L., B.L. Gutman, N.A. Melrose, A.M. Ingraham, J.A. Schwartz and J.M. Osborn. Taylor M.L., B.L. Gutman, N.A. Melrose, A.M. Ingraham, J.A. Schwartz and J.M. Osborn. 2008. Pollen and anther ontogeny in Cabomba caroliniana (Cabombaceae, Nymphaeales). American Journal of Botany 95: 399 413. 95, p. 399-413 2008
Taylor, M.L., J.M. Osborn Taylor M.L. and J.M. Osborn. 2006. Pollen ontogeny in Brasenia (Cabombaceae, Nymphaeales). American Journal of Botany 93: 344 356. 93, p. 344-356 2006
Editing and Reviews
Plant Science Bulletin Taylor, M.L., Review of Planting Clues: How Plant Solve Crimes 69 2023
Plant Science Bulletin Taylor, Mackenzie L., Review of Shulz, Bernd. 2018. Identification of trees and shrubs in winter using buds
and twigs. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 65, p. 201-202 2019
Presentations
Taylor, M.L, *A. Wilson, *C. Dang, *E. Baker, *J. Srail, *L. Klahs, and *C. Williams. 2022. Pollination and postpollination development in the hydrophilous monocot Stuckenia pectinata. Botanical Society of America; Anchorage, AK 2022
Wilson, A., C. Dang, E. Baker, N. Lamsal, S. DuMond, & M.L. Taylor. 2021. Reproductive ecology and post-pollination processes of water-pollinated Stuckenia pectinata 2021
Pruett, M., M.L. Taylor, T Burk, K. Choy. 2021. Are Monarch Butterflies Pollinators? Biology Department Colloquium. (pre-recorded talk) 2021
Wilson, A., M. Pruett,*N. Lamsal, K. Choy, & M.L. Taylor. 2021 Reproductive ecology of water-pollinated Stuckenia pectinata. Biology Department Colloquium. (pre-recorded talk) 2021
Wilson, A. & M.L. Taylor. 2021 Reproductive ecology of water-pollinated Stuckenia pectinata. Nebraska Academy of Sciences Meeting, 2021
Taylor, M.L., E.C. Baker, C.L. Dang, S. DuMond, L. Klahs, N. Lamsal, M. Pruett & A. Wilson. 2021. Pollen development across the pollen lifecycle in Sago Pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata). Creighton University Research Week (pre-recorded talk). 2021
Wilson, A., C.L. Dang, N. Lamsal, M. Pruett & M.L. Taylor. 2021 Reproductive ecology of water-pollinated Stuckenia pectinata. University Research Week, Virtual. (virtual poster presentation) 2021
Lamsal, N., E. Baker, S. DuMond, A. Wilson & M.L. Taylor. 2020. Characterization of the progamic phase in the aquatic monocot Stuckenia pectinata. Creighton Virtual Honors Day (poster) 2020
Wilson, A., C. Dang, N. Lamsal, M. Pruett & M.L. Taylor. 2020. Reproductive ecology of water-pollinated Stuckenia pectinata. Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference; Macomb, IL. (poster) 2020
Lamsal, N., E. Baker, S. DuMond, A. Wilson & M.L. Taylor. 2020. Characterization of the progamic phase in the aquatic monocot Stuckenia pectinata. Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference; Macomb, IL. (poster) 2020
Baker, E., S. DuMond, N.Lamsal, C. Dang, & M.L. Taylor. 2019 Pollen tube development in water-pollinated Stuckenia pectinata. Nebraska Academy of Sciences. Lincoln, NE 2019
Taylor, M.L. April 2019. Reproductive development in Nebraskas water-pollinated plants. Annual Meeting of the Nebraska Native Plant Society, Lincoln, NE. 2019
Baker, E.C., S.D. DuMond, N. Lamsal, C.L. Dang, & M.L. Taylor. 2019. Pollen tube development in water-pollinated Stuckenia pectinata. Creighton University Research Day. (poster) 2019
The Greatest Generation: The Pollen Lifecycle in Aquatic Plants. Department of Biology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ 2018
Taylor, M.L, L.B. Aeilts, K.M. Altrichter, B.L. Giffei, A.E. Wilden, & C Dang. 2018. Pollen development across the pollen lifecycle in Ruppia maritima (Alismatidae): Insight into the consequences of the ecological transition to hydrophily. European Palaeobotanical and Palynological Conference, Dublin, Ireland 2018
Taylor, M.L, L.B. Aeilts, K.M. Altrichter, B.L. Giffei, A.E. Wilden, & C Dang. 2018. Pollen development across the pollen lifecycle in Ruppia maritima (Alismatidae): Insight into the consequences of the ecological transition to hydrophily. Botanical Society of America; Rochester, MN. 2018
Baker, E., S. DuMond, C. Dang, & M.L. Taylor. 2018. Post-pollination development in water-pollinated Stuckenia pectinata. Botanical Society of America; Rochester, MN. 2018
Nguyen, R., D. Oki, & M.L. Taylor. Pollen transfer and reception in the aquatic plant species Ruppia maritima. 2018. Nebraska Academy of Sciences. Lincoln, NE. 2018
Oki, D.,*R. Nguyen & M.L. Taylor. 2018. Characterization of the progamic phase in Ruppia maritima. Nebraska Academy of Sciences. Lincoln, NE. 2018
Baker, E., S. DuMond, C. Dang, & M.L. Taylor. 2018. Pollen tube development in water-pollinated Stuckenia pectinata. Nebraska Academy of Sciences. Lincoln, NE 2018
Oki, D., R. Nguyen, B.L. Giffei, C.L. Dang, A.E. Wilden, & M.L. Taylor. 2018. Reproductive development in the aquatic species Ruppia maritima. Creighton University Research Day. (poster) 2018
Baker, E., S. DuMond, C.L. Dang & M.L. Taylor. 2018. Pollen tube development in water-pollinated Stuckenia pectinata. Creighton University Research Day. (poster) 2018
Nguyen, R., D. Oki, & M.L. Taylor. 2018. Pollen transfer and reception in the aquatic plant species Ruppia maritima. National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Edmond OK. 2018
Oki, D., R. Nguyen & M.L. Taylor. 2018. Characterization of the progamic phase in Ruppia maritima. National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Edmond OK. 2018
Baker, E., S. DuMond, & M.L. Taylor. 2018. Pollen tube development in water-pollinated Stuckenia pectinata. National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Edmond OK. 2018
Wilden, A.E., C.L. Dang, B.L. Giffei, K.M. Altrichter, & M.L. Taylor. 2017. Post-Pollination Development in Ruppia maritima (Ruppiaceae, Alismatales). Creighton Biology Department Research Colloquium. (poster) 2017
Dang, C.L. & M.L. Taylor. 2017. Reproductive development in the flowering plant Stuckenia pectinata. Creighton Biology Department Research Colloquium. (poster) 2017
Oki, D., R. Nguyen, & M.L. Taylor. 2017. Leaf anatomy of Barclaya kuntsleria and Barclaya motleyi. Creighton Biology Department Research Colloquium. (poster) 2017
Dang, C.L., & M.L. Taylor. 2017. Reproductive development in the aquatic angiosperm Stuckenia pectinata. Nebraska Academy of Sciences. Lincoln, NE. 2017
Wilden, A.E., C.L. Dang, & M.L. Taylor. 2017. Reproductive biology in Ruppia maritima: pollination processes and post-pollination development. Nebraska Academy of Sciences. Lincoln, NE 2017
Wilden, A.E., C.L. Dang, B.L. Giffei, K.M. Altrichter, & M.L. Taylor. 2017. Post-Pollination Development in Ruppia maritima (Ruppiaceae, Alismatales). Creighton University Research Day. (poster) 2017
Dang, C.L. & M.L. Taylor. 2017. Reproductive development in the flowering plant Stuckenia pectinata. Creighton University Research Day. (poster) 2017
Giffei, B.L., C.L. Dang, K. M. Altrichter, A.E. Wilden, and M.L. Taylor. 2016. Post-pollination development in Ruppia maritima (Ruppiaceae, Alismatales). Botanical Society of America; Savannah, GA. 2016
Giffei, B.L.,*C. Dang, A. Wilden & M.L. Taylor. 2016. Post-pollination development in Ruppia maritima. Creighton Biology Department Research Colloquium. (poster) 2016
Mullally, H.L, T. Burk & M.L. Taylor. 2016. Orange sulphur butterflies, Colias eurytheme, acquire substantial amounts of pollen when visiting prairie flowers. Creighton Biology Department Research Colloquium. (poster) 2016
Oki, D & M.L. Taylor. 2016. The relationship between aperture position and pollen germination rate in Brassica oleraceae. Creighton Biology Department Research Colloquium. (poster) 2016
Mullally, H.L., T. Burk, & M.L. Taylor. 2016. Orange sulphur butterflies, Colias eurytheme, acquire substantial amounts of pollen when visiting prairie flowers. Nebraska Academy of Sciences. Lincoln, NE. (talk) 2016
Giffei, B.L., C. L. Dang & M.L. Taylor. 2016. Characterization of the progamic phase in Ruppia maritima. Nebraska Academy of Sciences. Lincoln, NE. (talk) 2016
Dang, C.L., B.L. Giffei, & M.L. Taylor. 2016. Reproductive development in the aquatic species Ruppia maritima. Nebraska Academy of Sciences. Lincoln, NE. (talk) 2016
Giffei, B.L., *C. Dang, *A. Wilden, & M.L. Taylor. 2016. Post-pollination development in Ruppia maritima. Creighton University Research Day. (poster) 2016
Mullally, H.L, T. Burk & M.L. Taylor. 2016. Orange sulphur butterflies, Colias eurytheme, acquire substantial amounts of pollen when visiting prairie flowers. Creighton University Research Day. (poster) 2016
Osborn, J.M. & M.L. Taylor. 2015. The pollen life cycle in Nymphaeales: from microsporogenesis to fertilization. Botanical Society of America; Edmonton, Canada (invited talk) 2015
Taylor, M.L, M.C. McGlynn, E. Manke and D. Cooley. 2015. Post-pollination development in Nymphaeaceae: consequences of flower evolution. Botanical Society of America; Edmonton, Canada (invited talk) 2015
Altrichter, K.M., L. Aeilts, & M.L. Taylor. 2015. Reproductive development in Ruppia maritima. Botanical Society of America; Edmonton, Canada. 2015
Altrichter, K.M., L. Aeilts & M.L. Taylor. 2015. Post-pollination development in Ruppia maritima. Creighton Biology Department Research Colloquium. 2015
McGlynn, M.C. E.F. Manke, D. Cooley, K. Oda, E.L. Fennen, *S. Garro & M.L. Taylor. 2015. The pollen tube pathway in Victoria: implications for flower evolution in water lilies (Nymphaeaceae). Creighton Biology Department Research Colloquium. (poster) 2015
McGlynn, M.C. & M.L. Taylor. 2015. The pollen tube pathway in Victoria: implications for flower evolution in water lilies (Nymphaeaceae). Nebraska Academy of Sciences. Lincoln, NE. (talk) 2015
Altrichter, K.M. & M.L. Taylor. 2015. Pollen and post-pollination development in Ruppia maritima. Nebraska Academy of Sciences. Lincoln, NE. (talk) 2015
Altrichter, K.M., L. Aeilts & M.L. Taylor. 2015. Post-pollination development in Ruppia maritima. Creighton University Research Day. 2015
McGlynn, M.C., E.F. Manke, D. Cooley, K. Oda, E.L. Fennen, S. Garro & M.L. Taylor. 2015. The pollen tube pathway in Victoria: implications for flower evolution in water lilies (Nymphaeaceae). Creighton University Research Day. (poster) 2015
Taylor, M.L.& J.M. Osborn 2014. Comparative pollen structure and development in aquatic angiosperms. European Paleobotanical and Palynological Conference, Padua, Italy. (invited talk). 2014
Taylor, M.L., R.L. Cooper, E.L. Schneider, & J.M. Osborn. 2014. Pollen structure and development in Nymphaeales (water lilies): insights into character evolution in an ancient angiospern lineage.Botanical Society of America; Boise, ID. (talk) 2014
Williams J.H., M.L. Taylor, & B.C. OMeara. 2014 Repeated evolution of tricellular (and bicellular) pollen. Botanical Society of America; Boise, ID. (talk) 2014
Aeilts, L., K. Altrichter, & M.L. Taylor. 2014. Pollen structure and development in Ruppia maritima (Alismatales). Botanical Society of America; Boise, ID. (poster) 2014
Aeilts, L. & M. L. Taylor. 2014. Pollen development in Ruppia maritima. Nebraska Academy of Sciences. Lincoln, NE. (talk) 2014
Cooley, D. & M.L. Taylor. 2013. Post-pollination processes in Nuphar. Nebraska Academy of Sciences. Lincoln, NE. (talk) 2013
Investigating the Secret Nature of Flowers: The Evolution of Post-pollination Development in Water Lilies (Nymphaeales). Department of Biology, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO. 2012
Taylor, M.L. & J.M. Osborn 2012. Pollen structure and development in Nymphaeales: Insights into exine evolution in an ancient angiosperm lineage. 13th International Palynological Congress/9th International Organization of Palaeobotany Conference. Tokyo, Japan (invited talk) 2012
Taylor, M.L. & J.M. Osborn. 2012. Pollen development and pollen tube growth in Victoria (Nymphaeales). Botanical Society of America; Columbus, OH. (talk) 2012
Investigating the Secret Nature of Flowers: The Evolution of Post-pollination Development in Water Lilies (Nymphaeales). Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE. 2012
Taylor, M.L. & J.H. Williams. 2011. Reproductive life history variation and breeding systems in Trithuria (Hydatellaceae). 18th International Botanical Congress; Melbourne, Australia (invited talk). 2011