Graduate Students
The Plant Biology Graduate students are engaged in cutting-edge research impacting all areas of the plant sciences. Our Program is one of the largest graduate programs at UC Riverside and offers unique academic and professional training opportunities. Plant Biology students are being recognized for their research excellence by national awards and honors and papers in high profile journals. Our students are engaged in a wide variety of outreach initiatives and are taking leadership positions at UC Riverside and in professional organizations. Contact our students or faculty, if you have questions about the student experience at UC Riverside or research discipline questions; or contact the Plant Biology Graduate program advisors.
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Adams, Juliahttps://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/search;name=Julia%20Adams;org=;title=;phone=;affiliation=All |
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Ayyad, Asma
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Bellinger, MarschalFaculty: Carolyn Rasmussen Research Interest: I am currently researching molecular plant microbial interactions, observing how plants react to biotic stress factors. Awards:
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Blair, EmilyFaculty: Dawn Nagel Degrees: BS, Biology, Pepperdine University, CA Research Interest:I'm interested in understanding how the circadian clock regulates the plant temperature stress response. Awards/Prizes: 2017-2018 Distinguished Award for Graduate Students; American Society of Plant Biology Travel Grant |
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Bohner, TeresaFaculty: Jeff Diez Degrees: BS Biological Science, Florida State University Research Interest: Research interests include plant community ecology. I am particularly interested in integrating population dynamic tools with experimental field studies to understand the consequences of global climate change on plant communities and how evolutionary processes affect populations. |
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Borowsky, Alexanderhttps://alexborowsky.github.io/ Faculty: Degrees: B.A. Molecular and Cellular Biology, Vanderbilt University Research Interest: Gene regulation; Plant metabolism; Computational biology
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Burke, Selena
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Chang, Sun Hyun
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Collins, Courtneycourtney.collins@email.ucr.edu Faculty: Jeff Diez Degrees: Research Interest: My research interests center on plant-soil feedbacks and how the interaction between plants and their soil environment affects species distributions, coexistence, and community composition, in particular with regards to range expanding native species. Awards: 2015 Mary DeDecker Botanical Grant |
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Dedow, Lauren(951) 827-6376 Faculty: Julia Bailey Serres Degrees: B.S, Biological Sciences- Plant Sciences, Michigan Technological University, MI Research Interest: Post-transcriptional gene regulation is an important, yet relatively unstudied area of gene expression regulation, the role of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) in these processes is understood even less. In animals, the RBP family of Pumillio-Puf domains proteins (PUMs) has been shown to control both developmental and stress related processes. Arabidopsis thaliana has 26 PUMs (APUMs) most of which are poorly understood. My research focuses on the investigation of the Group 3 APUMs including their localization, RNA targets and biological role in an effort to better understand the role RBPs play in gene regulation. Awards: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Recipient (2012-2015) Publications: Wang L, Si Y, Dedow LK, Shao Y, Lui P, Brutnell TP. (2011) A Low-Cost Library Leadership and Outreach: Development of a Molecular Biology Undergraduate lab with Dr. Joanna Werner-Fraczek of Moreno Valley College |
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Hiraoka, Yoko (formerly Yoko Eck)Faculty: Mike Roose |
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Eckhardt, JamesFaculty: Degrees: B.A. Biological Sciences, Gustavus Adolphus College Research Interest:
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Focht, Eric |
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Garceau, Danielledanielle.garceau@email.ucr.edu Faculty: Linda Walling Degrees: BS, Biology - Stonehill College Research Interest: Plant defense; whitefly resistance mechanisms in cassava
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Guzman, Michael
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Hann, ElizabethFaculty: Robert Jinkerson Degrees: B.S. Environmental Systems, Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, minor in Marine Science, University of California, San Diego Research Interests:In my research, I am using high-throughput genetic screening methods in a model green algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, to answer basic biological questions. Utilizing a mutant knockout library, I am working to identify genes important to lipid accumulation to improve engineering strategies to create an improved algae biofuel feedstock. I am also interested in chloroplast genomes and how they evolve. I am doing research into how, why, and at what frequency endosymbiotic gene transfer occurs from the chloroplast to the nuclear genome. Publications:
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Harland-Dunaway, Marcus
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Herniter, IraFaculty: Timothy Close Degrees: BS, Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Maryland College Park, MD Research Interest:Plant breeding, orphan crops, consumer-related traits, seed coat color, seed coat pattern, leaf shape Awards/Prizes: Research Innovation Fellowship for Agriculture (2018); James and Margaret Lesley Annual Prize (2018); Appleman-Norton Award in Botany (2015)
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Huang, YiFaculty: Amy Litt Degrees: BS, Bioscience, Beijing Normal University, China - Peoples Republic Of Research Interest:
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Ibsen, PeterFaculty: Darrell Jenerette Degrees: B.A. - University of San Francisco Research Interest:
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Jimenez Luna, IsraelFaculty: Philippe Rolshausen Degree: Research:
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Kargul, Meg
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Kettenburg, AlekFaculty: Julia Bailey-Serres Degrees: BS, Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology, UC Riverside Research Interest: Abiotic stresses, such as flooding, drought, and nutrient poor soil are major obstacles limiting global crop production. My research focuses on understanding molecular responses to abiotic stress in Oryza sativa (rice) and Triticum aestivium (wheat).
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Kim, Ruthhttps://rjplantgirl.weebly.com/ Faculty: Meng Chen Degrees: BA Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley Research Interest: Plant response to changes in environment cues such as light and temperature; Nuclear Organization; Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology Awards/Prizes: Chancellor's Distinguish Fellowship Award; 2018-2019 ASPB Conviron Scholar Publications: Qiu, YJ., M., Kim, R.J., Moore, C. and Chen, M. (2018) Daytime temperature is sense by phytochrome B in Arabidopsis through a transcriptional activator HEMERA. Nat. Commun. |
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Kucera, Dion
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Lee, Travis(951) 827-6376 Faculty: Julia Bailey-Serres Degrees: Research Interest: My research focuses on plant responses under low oxygen (hypoxia). Natural events, such as flooding, lead to decreased oxygen levels within the plant. To survive prolonged hypoxia stress, changes in metabolism must occur as a result of differential gene regulation, which is mediated by specific transcription factors. A specific group of ethylene response factors (ERFs) have been found to be important for hypoxia and submergence tolerance. The focus of my research aims to elucidate the roles and functions, as well as the network of genes and proteins associated with these specific ERFs. Publications: Gasch P, Fundinger M, Muller JT, Lee T, Bailey-Serres J, Mustroph A (2016) Redundant ERF-VII Transcription Factors Bind to an Evolutionarily Conserved cis-Motif to Regulate Hypoxia-Responsive Gene Expression in Arabidopsis. Plant Cell 28: 160-180 |
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Liu, Li951-827-3178 Faculty: Xuemei Chen Degrees: Research Interest: My current research is focused on microRNA degradation and microRNA movement.
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Lo, SassoumFaculty: Timothy Close Degrees: BS Chemistry and Applied Biology, Cheikh Anta Diop University Dakar, Senegal Research Interest: I am interested in crop domestication and crop genetic improvement. Specifically, my research is focused on determining the genetic basis of domestication-related traits in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), including pod shattering and seed size, and on studying the effect of increasing seed size on the nutritional quality of the cowpea grain. Awards: Graduate Studies Fellowship, West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (World Bank funds) (2014-2016) Graduate Research Fellowship, Kirkhouse Trust Foundation, University of Virginia (2012) Leadership and Outreach: Volunteer, “Where does food come from?” Outreach event for elementary school students (2015) Publications: |
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Luscher, Elizabeth(951) 827-7056 Faculty: Patricia Springer Degrees: BS, Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology, The Ohio State University Research Interest: My research interests involve understanding the control of shoot architecture in monocots and dicots. Current work is focused on dissecting the relationship between the plant hormone brassinosteroid (BR) and the development of the ligular region in the maize leaf. The ligular region, which forms at the junction between the blade and sheath, regulates leaf inclination, which when altered can increase plant density and yield overall. Awards:
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Maheepala, Dinusha(951) 827-3914 Faculty: Amy Litt Degrees: Research Interest: Fleshy fruits have evolved multiple times during the evolution of angiosperms. My research involves studying the evolution and development of fleshy fruits in Solanaceae. I pay special attention to the role of FRUITFULL genes in these processes. Awards:
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Marzolino, JillFaculty: Daniel Koenig Degree: B.S. Plant Biology/ B.A. English , University of California, Davis Research Interests:Plant Environmental Adaptation |
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Meza, Leticialeticia.meza@email.ucr.edu Degree: Research:
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Mills, Mystyn |
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Mody, Tejasvinee AtulFaculty: Dawn Nagel Degrees: BS-MS, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, India Research Interest:Temperature regulation of Arabidopsis circadian clock by heat shock transcription factors Awards: 2017, Dean's Distinguished Fellowship |
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Montgomery, JonathanFaculty: Milt McGiffen Degrees: BS, Botany, Humboldt State University, CA Research Interest: I am interested in plant/environment interactions, especially those relating to water use. My research is primarily focused on the manipulation of plant physiology through genetics with the goal of increasing drought tolerance. Awards:
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Morrison, Glen
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Neher, Wesley |
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Nejad, Dariush |
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Ortiz, IrmaFaculty: Linda Walling Degrees: BS, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, UCLA Research Interest: Plants encounter biotic stresses in the field and they coordinate many signal transduction pathways for an effective defense. The Walling lab identified leucyl aminopeptidase A (LAP-A) is important to protect tomatoes against insect feeding. I am interested in understanding the key players downstream of LAP-A in the wound signaling pathway. Awards:
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Phillips, Michalamichala.phillips@email.ucr.edu Faculty: Edith Allen Degrees: Research Interest:
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Piña, MichaelFaculty: Milton McGiffen Degrees: B.S., Biology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA Research Interest: My dissertation work investigates the effects of the soil amendment biochar on the ability of agronomic legumes to add nitrogen to the soil. I am broadly interested in sustainable food systems and cultural practices that enhance soil fertility and reduce energy inputs in agriculture. I believe that food security and environmental sustainability are critical to a healthy and vibrant world community. Awards:
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Piper, StephanieFaculty: Darrel Jenerette Degrees:B.S. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University; M.S. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University Research Interests:Urban ecology, nitrogen cycling, landscape ecology |
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Plong, AlexanderFaculty: Venu Gonehal Degrees: BS, MS - Cal State Long Beach Research Interest:
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Qu, HanFaculty: Arthur Jia Degree: BAR, Ornamental Horticulture, Beijing Forestry University, China Research:
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Rajewski, Alexaraje002@ucr.edu, Faculty: Amy Litt Degrees: MS - University of Georgia Athens, GA, BS - Drake University, IA Research Interest: During the evolution of angiosperms, there has frequently been a transition from dry to fleshy fruits. I study the evolution of dry vs fleshy fruits in the nightshade (Solanaceae) plant family focusing on the dry fruit of tabacco and the role of the transcription factor FRUITFULL. Awards:
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Publications: Classification and phylogenetic analyses of the Arabidopsis and tomato G-type lectin receptor kinases. Teixeira, M., A. Rajewski, J. He, O. Castaneda, A. Litt, I. Kaloshian. 2018. BMC Genomics. 19(1):239. DOI:10.1186/s12864-018-4606-0
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Rattner, RachelFaculty: Mikeal Roose Degrees: BS, Biotechnology, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY Research Interest: My research project involves investigating the importance of small RNA molecules, which regulate the expression of genes, during citrus development and their impact on citrus fruit quality. There is evidence that some of these molecules can move from shoots to roots and from roots to shoots. Therefore, small RNAs produced in citrus roots may regulate gene expression in the fruits. The results from this project will be useful to citrus breeders in the future. Awards:
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Roche, PaulFaculty: Linda Walling Degrees: BS, Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside Research Interest: Enzyme leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and its role as a molecular chaperone within the cell. |
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Rodriguez, ClarissaFaculty:Loralee Larios Degrees: BS, Environmental Biology, California State University Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA Research Interest:
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Santana, Israelisrael.santana@email.ucr.edu Degree: Research:
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Schwartz, MichaelFaculty: Patricia Springer Degrees: BS, Biological Sciences and Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Research Interest: |
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Sears, Colin
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Semotiuk, Andrew(951) 827-3546 Faculty: Exequiel Ezcurra Degrees: Research Interest: My research interests include ethnobotany and ecology of medicinal plant communities. Currently, I am investigating the medicinal plant populations and collecting practices in the Yaqui and Mayo River Valleys of Sonora, Mexico. Understanding the interactions between people and these natural resources gives insight to the sustainability of the ecosystem and cultural diversity that depends on it. Awards:
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Shirai, Miwa |
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Teller, Noahnoah.teller@email.ucr.edu Degree: BA, Biology, Whitman College, WA Research: I am broadly interested in investigating novel strategies and refining existing restoration techniques that improve ecological sequestration of greenhouse gases in working landscapes and wild lands without significantly compromising on traditional restoration goals such as protecting biodiversity and safeguarding ecosystem services. I would like to develop strategies of minimal intervention and disturbance that reduce the use of heavy machinery, herbicides, and chemical inputs to control cost and that are feasible in highly restricted or rugged areas such as designated Wilderness. I hope to orient my research towards informing concrete policies and advocating for interagency and private-public coordinated action to protect the lands we depend on for our survival, quality of life, economy, and culture.Target systems for these goals include grazed lands dominated by invasive annual grasses in California’s lower elevations and forest systems impacted by severe fire in the Sierra Nevada and California Coast ranges.
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Thomas, PatrickFaculty: Linda Walling Degrees: BS, Agricultural Science, Pennsylvania State University, PA Research Interest:
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Thomas, ZacharyFaculty: Degrees: Research Interest: |
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To, Kevin |
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Toth, Jessica(951) 827-6991 Faculty: Jaimie Van Norman Degrees: Research Interest: I am interested in studying the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) and its pathway and corresponding receptors within the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. ABA has many potential agricultural applications and promotes drought tolerance in plants |
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Uyehara, Aimee
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Valenzuela, AlexFaculty: Degrees: BS, Biology, California State University Bakersfield Research Interest:
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Villanueva-Almanza, Lorena(951) 8272869 Faculty: Exequiel Ezcurra Degrees: BS, Biology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico. MSc, Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants, University of Edinburgh, Scotland Research Interest: I am interested in the origins and ecology of the native and introduced plants of the missions of the Baja California Peninsula. Understanding their origin and interactions amongst themselves, the surrounding human populations and the abiotic factors can help tailor conservation strategies. Awards:
Publications: Villanueva-Almanza L. 2014. Garryaceae. In: Medina-Lemos R., J.G. Sánchez-Ken, A. García-Mendoza & S. Arias-Montes (eds.). Flora del Valle de Tehuacán- Cuicatlán 116: 1-9. Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico Villanueva-Almanza L. 2012. Phytolaccaceae. In: Medina-Lemos R., J.G. Sánchez-Ken, A. García-Mendoza & S. Arias-Montes (eds.). Flora del Valle de Tehuacán- Cuicatlán 105: 1-17. Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico http://www.ibiologia.unam.mx/barra/publicaciones/floras_tehuacan/2013/F105_Phy.pdf Martínez-López M. & L. Villanueva-Almanza. 2012. Primulaceae. In: Medina-Lemos R., J.G. Sánchez-Ken, A. García-Mendoza & S. Arias-Montes (eds.). Flora del Valle de Tehuacán- Cuicatlán 101: 1-24. Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico http://www.ibiologia.unam.mx/barra/publicaciones/floras_tehuacan/F101_Pri.pdf Villanueva-Almanza L. 2011. Loasaceae. In: Medina-Lemos R., J.G. Sánchez-Ken, A. García-Mendoza & S. Arias-Montes (eds.). Flora del Valle de Tehuacán- Cuicatlán 93: 1-24. Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico http://www.ibiologia.unam.mx/barra/publicaciones/floras_tehuacan/2012/F93_Loas.pdf Villanueva-Almanza L. & R. María Fonseca-Juárez. 2011. Revisión Taxonómica y Distribución Geográfica de Ephedra en México. (Taxonomic revision of genus Ephedra in Mexico) Acta Botánica Mexicana 96: 79-116 http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=57419276009
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Wang, Jianqiangjianqiang.wang@email.ucr.edu Degree: Research:
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Wang, Meiyuemeiyue.wang@email.ucr.edu Degrees: BS, Plant Science-Crop Production Management, California State University, Fresno Research Interest: My research focuses on developing new statistical methods for testing population differentiation due to selection using genome-wide molecular marker data.
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Wendlandt, Camille(951) 827-3455 Faculty: Joel Sachs Degrees: BS, Biology, Seattle Pacific University, WA Research Interest: I am broadly interested in the ecology of legume root nodulation by symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Specifically, I want to understand how legumes integrate signals from the rhizosphere, such as nutrient availability and microbe community dynamics, in the decision to initiate nodulation with potential symbionts. Publications: Campbell DF, Wendlandt CE (2013). Altered precipitation affects plant hybrids differently than their parental species. American Journal of Botany 100: 1322-1331. |
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White, Alexandra
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Williams, Couruncwill019@ucr.edu Faculty: Degrees: BS, Biology, North Carolina University Research Interests: |
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Winte, SonjaFaculty: Julia Bailey-Serres Degrees: BS-Genetics and BA-English, UC Davis--Davis, CA Research Interest: Plant development; plant plasticity in response to environmental stress Publications: Ron M, Kajala K, Pauluzzi G, Wang D, Reynoso MA, Zumstein K, Garcha J, Winte S, Masson H, Inagaki S, Federici F, Sinha N, Deal RB, Bailey-Serres J, and Brady SM (2014). Hairy root transformation using Agrobacterium rhizogenes as a tool for exploring cell type-specific gene expression and function using tomato as a model. Plant Physiology; 166(2): 455-469. Awards:
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Xi, Meng |
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Xing, Zenanzenan.xing@email.ucr.edu Degree: ResearcH
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Zhu, Yi(951) 827-4413 Faculty: Mikeal Roose Degrees: BS, Biology, University of Science and Technology of China Research Interest: I'm interested in molecular analysis of induced mutation in citrus varieties. It includes both bioinformatics prediction and molecular validations for the differences between parent and mutant. Publications: Fang P, Wang J, Li X, Guo M, Xing L, Cao X, Zhu Y, Gao Y, Niu L, Teng M. (2009) Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of Escherichia coli RNase G. Acta Cryst. F65, 586-588 |