Assistant Professor
Division of Plant Science and Technology
Biochemistry,
Research
Lignin is a heterogeneous aromatic polymer produced in plant cell walls and the second most abundant biopolymer in nature. It constitutes up to 40% of the dry weight of plants and provides mechanical support, facilitates the transport of water and nutrients through the vascular system, and plays a crucial role in plant responses to environmental stresses. As a major component of plants, and due to its inherent chemical properties, lignin is an attractive source for conversion into renewable energy and a target for CO2 storage and sequestration. Work in our laboratory centers on the genetic manipulation of lignin in plant cell walls. Our research group uses Arabidopsis, Brachypodium, maize, sorghum, and poplar as model systems for gene discovery and validation, and seeks to translate this knowledge into plant breeding, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology programs.
Awards & Honors
- 2024 Scialog Fellow
- 2023 Education Committee American Society of Plant Biologists
- 2022 Ramon y Cajal Fellow
- 2019 Oak Ridge National Laboratory Visiting Fellow
- 2019 Center for Bioenergy Innovation Early Career Award
- 2015-2017 Spanish NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship
- 2013-2015 Barrie Foundation Fellow
- 2007-2012 Spanish NSF Predoctoral Fellowship