Yan Lu

Dr. Yan Lu is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University. She holds a Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2005). Her research focuses on plant physiology, particularly the regulation of photosynthetic complexes, amino acid metabolism, and chloroplast functions. Current projects investigate chloroplast stromal chaperones, iron-sulfur cluster assembly, high light stress responses, and PFAS impacts on plants. She directs the NSF-funded BIORETS program, providing STEM teachers with research experiences and curricular development opportunities.

Key funding sources include multiple NSF grants (MCB-1244008, DBI-2444114) and Department of Education grants (P116Z220105). Her laboratory includes PhD student Justin Fernandez, M.S. students Theophilus Addo and Glory James, and undergrad Jacob Waterlander. The lab also engages in community outreach, including the Kalamazoo Science Communication Project. Research facilities include the WMU Finch Greenhouse and Imaging Center.

Dr. Lu’s work bridges fundamental biology and applied science, with contributions to plant stress responses, metabolic pathways, and educational initiatives. Recent projects include DNA barcoding of invasive species and developing at-home plant physiology labs for educators.