Brad Nelms, Principal Investigator

My research focuses on understanding cell differentiation during plant reproduction using a combination of experimental and computational genomics. I moved from the biomedical sciences into plant biology after graduate school because I am inspired by the potential of basic plant research to impact food security and sustainability.

Julian Somers, Graduate Student

I am interested in the sporophyte-gametophyte transition and cell reprogramming in plants. Through research, I hope to improve food security and sustainability.

Justin Scherer, Graduate Student

I am interested in utilizing cutting edge techniques to answer questions related to sustainability in agriculture to combat the impacts of climate change. Currently, I am developing a system to perform high throughput genetic screens in maize pollen using the Mutator transposon.

Taylor Scroggs, Graduate Student

My project focuses on systematically exploring transcription factor function to find candidates for reprogramming and regeneration. I am interested in using genetic techniques to enable better crops in a changing climate.

Ahema Gaisie, Graduate Student

My project uses maize as a model organism to study the development and intergenerational effects of somatic mutation spread. My research will help give a better understanding of plants’ resistance to mutational meltdown and basic genetics questions concerning inheritance.

Dr. Sungjin Park, Staff Scientist

My current research focuses on understanding spatiotemporal changes in the genetic makeup of male reproductive cells in maize mostly using combined approaches of immunohistology and molecular biology as well as single-cell sequencing.