Mackenzie Lorraine Taylor, PhD

Associate Professor

Contact

College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
HLSB - Hixson Lied Science Building - 437

Mackenzie Lorraine Taylor, PhD

Associate Professor

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

Department

Biology

Position

Associate Professor

Books

  • 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

Federal

  • Acquisition of a scanning electron microscope for use in undergraduate research – NE EPScoR - Joel Destino (PI), Andrew Baruth (Co-PI), Mackenzie Taylor (Co-PI), David Sidebottom (Co-PI), and Eric Villa (Co-PI).

Other

  • Pollen development across the entire pollen lifecycle in the aquatic monocot, Stuckenia pectinata. Creighton Summer Faculty Research Fellowship

Awards

  • IGGY" Award for Freshman Mentoring
    Creighton Center for Student Success and Retention
  • We Made it Happen Award
    International Women's Day Omaha