Research
The Green Revolution altered plant architecture to improve yields. However, this was primarily accomplished in wheat and rice. Reduction of plant height was achieved through manipulating hormonal pathways to reduce inputs and lodging to improve plant vigor and overall yields. The genetic factors that were utilized in the Green Revolution to reduce plant height were not successful in corn due to additional defects in the flowers that were not an issue in these other crops. These factors have therefore not been utilized in today’s hybrid corn.
The four main aspects of maize development that we are researching are plant height, leaf angle, tassel branch development, and root architecture. To do this, we are combining forward and reverse genetic approaches, biochemical assays, natural variation studies, transcriptomics, and hormone analysis. Through these approaches we are identifying candidate genes and modifying their function to improve plant architecture. The newly discovered genetic factors that these hormones control are being introgressed into hybrid seed to benefit farmers.
Awards & Honors
Awards
3rd place poster presentation, MU Plant Research Symposium, Columbia, 2020
Life Sciences Center Person of the Month, February, Columbia, 2020
2nd place Ph.D./Post-Doc oral presentation, HLA Retreat, West Lafayette, 2016
Teaching Academy Graduate Teaching Award, HLA Department, Purdue, 2015
1st place Ph.D./Post-Doc oral presentation, HLA Retreat, West Lafayette, 2015
2nd place Ph.D./Post-Doc poster presentation, HLA Retreat, West Lafayette, 2014
2nd place oral presentation award, ASPB MW Meeting, Chicago, 2013
1st place oral presentation award, PGRSA Conference, Denver, 2012
1st place undergrad poster award, HLA Retreat, West Lafayette, 2011
2nd place undergrad poster award, ASPB MW Meeting, West Lafayette, 2010
Grants and Scholarships
USDA-NIFA postdoctoral fellowship, Missouri, 2019-2021
Douglas Randall travel award grant, Missouri, 2018 and 2020
USDA-NIFA predoctoral fellowship, Purdue, 2017-2019
Travel award grant, PGRSA Conference, Denver, 2012
Undergrad research grant, School of Agriculture, Purdue, 2010
Garden Club of Indiana scholarship, Purdue, 2010
Muriel Rumsey Trust scholarship, Purdue, 2009 and 2010
Service and Leadership
Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG)- Executive Committee Member, Missouri, 2018-2020
Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG)- Student/Post-Doc Org. Rep., Missouri, 2018-2020
Session Chair- IPG Retreat, Missouri, 2019
Purdue Graduate Student Government Senator, Purdue, 2013 and 2014
Graduate Student Affairs Committee Member, Purdue, 2013 and 2014
Parking and Traffic Committee Member, Purdue, 2013 and 2014
