Research Interests:
Although I am fascinated by all aspects of the life sciences,
I have focused on studying the adaptation of plants to low temperature stress. I have researched this area since
my days as an undergraduate and I continue to enjoy focusing on this particular environmental adaptation. I have
always felt that it is important to incorporate both whole plant and molecular approaches when addressing specific
questions. As a result, the majority of our studies have involved components of field work, whole plant analysis
and observations on the subcellular and molecular levels.
I am currently interested in characterizing dehydrin-like proteins that are associated to periods of cold acclimation
in woody plants and I am continuing to study plant cold shock domain proteins. The cold shock domain has been extensively
studied in prokaryotes and found to be critical for low temperature survival. We have initiated the only functional
investigations in plants and are characterizing their relation to low temperature stress.
For more specific information related to my research and background please click on my biographical sketch
link.
Research Interests:
- Functional analysis of plant cold shock domain proteins
- Molecular and physiological characterization of freezing
behavior in Cornus sericea
- Evolutionary analysis of freezing behavior in woody plants
- Electron microscopy and immunolocalization of proteins
