Carl Procko

Carl Procko is a Staff Scientist at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and an Instructor at the University of San Diego. His research focuses on understanding plant responses to environmental stimuli, particularly in carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps and Sundew plants. He combines genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology to explore touch sensitivity mechanisms and leaf evolution. Procko discovered the FLYCATCHER1 (FLYC1) gene in Venus flytraps, critical for prey capture. He collaborates on the Salk Institute’s Harnessing Plants Initiative, aiming to develop carbon-sequestering plants. Procko also engages in science outreach, using carnivorous plants to inspire public interest and teaching undergraduate students microbiome analysis. His twin brother, Erik Procko, collaborates on protein structure research, including the FLYC1 protein. Procko’s work bridges basic science with potential applications in agriculture and human health, such as ultrasound-sensitive mammalian cells.

Education: Began studying law in Australia, transitioned to biology, earned a Ph.D. in genetics at Rockefeller University (NY), focusing on C. elegans nervous system development. Research emphasizes plant genetics, touch signaling pathways, and environmental adaptation mechanisms. His interdisciplinary approach integrates genetics, biochemistry, and computational biology.

Research Interests: Carnivorous plant physiology, touch response mechanisms, leaf evolution, plant-environment interactions, and biotechnology applications. He explores how plant adaptations can address climate change via improved crop resilience and carbon storage.

Outreach: Hosted events at the Fleet Science Center and Salk’s Explore Days, developed undergraduate microbiome projects. Believes in science communication as a dual responsibility and tool for public engagement.

Labs/Teams: Member of Joanne Chory’s lab at Salk, collaborating on the Harnessing Plants Initiative. Works with Sreekanth Chalasani on ultrasound-sensitive proteins. Twin collaborations include protein characterization for the FLYC1 gene.