David Higgs

David Higgs is Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. His research investigates chloroplast gene expression, RNA stability, and photosynthetic mechanisms using the green alga Chlamydomonas as a model system.

Research focuses on:

• Chloroplast Genetics: Nuclear-chloroplast interactions, RNA processing, and gene regulation
• Photosynthesis: Structure-function relationships in photosystem components
• Stress Responses: Algal adaptation to nitrogen limitation and environmental stressors

Publications (1993-2020) reveal fundamental discoveries in chloroplast RNA metabolism, including identification of RNA stability factors, characterization of photosynthetic mutants, and analysis of genome rearrangements that compensate for mutations.

His work combines molecular genetics, biochemistry, and genomics to elucidate organelle gene expression mechanisms with applications in algal biotechnology and crop improvement.