Heidi Rutschow

Heidi Rutschow serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at Cal Poly Humboldt, where she has taught since 2016. Her instructional responsibilities include undergraduate courses in Genetics, Molecular Genetics, and Cell Biology, along with graduate seminars in Plant Molecular Development. Originally from Modesto, California, she previously held a Visiting Assistant Professor position at Colgate University.

Her educational background features:

• Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the University of California, Davis
• Ph.D. in Plant Biology/Biochemistry from Cornell University

Dr. Rutschow's research centers on plant molecular and cellular mechanisms, with primary focus on hormone signaling and developmental processes in the moss Physcomitrella patens. Her expertise spans auxin transport regulation, plasmodesmata function in solute flux, and chloroplast proteome dynamics. This work bridges fundamental plant physiology with molecular genetics, emphasizing cellular communication pathways in non-vascular plants.

Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent specialization in plant hormone signaling systems, particularly auxin transport mechanisms in Arabidopsis thaliana, with expanding scope into educational research methodologies. Her 2023 biotechnology curriculum study represents a strategic pivot toward STEM pedagogy while maintaining core expertise in molecular plant development. The research trajectory demonstrates deep integration of proteomics, genetic analysis, and physiological experimentation across diverse plant systems.

Dr. Rutschow teaches foundational and advanced biological sciences courses while maintaining active research in plant molecular development. Her office (SciB 338) and contact information (hlr99@humboldt.edu, 707-826-4802) facilitate student engagement within Humboldt's Biological Sciences department.