Training Group:

Plant Biology

Mentor / Lab:

Sharon Kessler

Specific Research Area / Project:

Plants need to perceive and respond to changes in their environment in order to survive. Calcium signaling is a signaling mechanism that is important for plant response to biotic and abiotic stressors as well as plays crucial roles in plant development and reproduction. I study the MILDEW RESISTANCE LOCUS O (MLO) family of calcium channels in Arabidopsis, which remains largely uncharacterized. My research includes characterizing MLO family members for their roles in root development and pollen tube reception. I was also awarded a USDA NIFA-AFRI Predoctoral Fellowship to investigate whether manipulating calcium signaling through altering expression or regulation of MLO family members can increase plant tolerance to salinity or drought stress.

Why PULSe:

I knew that I was interested in joining a plant biology lab and applied to programs that would let me rotate through a variety of plant labs. The Center for Plant Biology (CPB) is an interdepartmental center that consists of all the basic plant biology faculty at Purdue. I chose to attend PULSe because the plant biology training program allowed me to rotate in any of the CPB affiliated labs and explore a variety of research topics that I wouldn't otherwise be able to at another institution.

About Me:

Outside of lab I like to spend time with my partner, friends, and my cat Asparagus. My favorite thing to do is to cook for other people and I enjoy having people over for dinner. I have many houseplants that I like to care for and in the summer I grow a small balcony garden. I also enjoy reading, baking sourdough, and crocheting in my free time.