Erica Lawrence-Paul

Erica Lawrence-Paul serves as Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Biology at The Pennsylvania State University and holds an NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Lasky Lab. Her research program investigates how developmental transitions, particularly vegetative phase change, modify plant-environment interactions across molecular, organismal, and ecological scales.

Her research focuses on the ecophysiological consequences of vegetative phase change—the transition from juvenile to adult growth stages regulated by miR156/SPL networks. Key investigations include:

• Carbon economics differences between juvenile (acquisitive strategy) and adult (conservative strategy) leaves
• Developmental stage-dependent responses to environmental stress, particularly drought
• Natural variation in phase change timing and its role in local adaptation
• Methodological innovations in plant physiological measurement

Recent publications (2020-2025) reveal consistent thematic progression from molecular mechanisms (miR156 regulation) to ecological implications (drought adaptation), with increasing emphasis on evolutionary perspectives. Her work bridges plant developmental biology and environmental physiology through integrated studies of model systems including Arabidopsis and poplar.

Recognition includes:

• NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship

Dr. Lawrence-Paul's research is actively supported through her NSF fellowship, enabling collaborative projects within the Lasky Lab and methodological development. While specific student mentorship details aren't provided, her lab focuses on training in advanced physiological techniques and evolutionary ecology frameworks.

She leads research within the Lasky Lab, specializing in plant developmental-environmental interactions. Current projects examine natural variation in vegetative phase change timing using controlled environment experiments and field-based selection studies, with emphasis on translating developmental biology insights to climate resilience applications.