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 Strayhorn, 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.