Plant Stress Physiology
Our lab is broadly interested in learning how plants adjust to stress imposed by their environment. We study cellular processes that allow plants to adjust their metabolism and physiology in response to abiotic factors that constrain their growth; these environmental insults include salt, metal(oids), high temperatures, or nutrient deprivation. Studying these process helps us learn how plants survive challenging conditions. This knowledge may ultimately provide clues to improve crop yield on marginalized soil, which improves food security.
The lab uses various plants depending on the research questions we are asking. Some species have included the model plant Arabidopsis, the green algae Chlamydomonas, crops such as canola and spinach, and selenium- and nickel-hyperaccumulating plants.
Our lab is broadly interested in learning how plants adjust to stress imposed by their environment. We study cellular processes that allow plants to adjust their metabolism and physiology in response to abiotic factors that constrain their growth; these environmental insults include salt, metal(oids), high temperatures, or nutrient deprivation. Studying these process helps us learn how plants survive challenging conditions. This knowledge may ultimately provide clues to improve crop yield on marginalized soil, which improves food security.
The lab uses various plants depending on the research questions we are asking. Some species have included the model plant Arabidopsis, the green algae Chlamydomonas, crops such as canola and spinach, and selenium- and nickel-hyperaccumulating plants.