Research Summary
Our lab studies the molecular genetics of seed development. Our current focus is on development of the endosperm. Endosperm is an important component of the seed because it provides nutrients and developmental signals to the embryo during seed development. Furthermore, endosperm is an important source of food, feed, and industrial raw materials. Approximately two-thirds of human calories are derived from endosperm.
Education
- B.S., Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
- Ph.D., Department of Biology, University of California, Los Angeles
- Postdoctoral Studies, Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California
Biography
I received an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin. I performed my graduate studies in the field of plant gene expression at University of California, Los Angeles. I performed my postdoctoral studies in the field of flower development at the California Institute of Technology. At the University of Utah I initially studied female gametophyte development in plants. Over the last eight years I have been studying endosperm development in plants.