Find Academic Supervisors

• Plant Developmental Biology
• Epigenetics
• Plant Genetics
• +5 more

Ueli Grossniklaus is an Ordinary Professor at the University of Zurich within the Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences , affiliated with the Department of Plant and Microbiology . His work focuses on plant developmental biology, particularly epigenetic and genetic mechanisms governing reproduction and adaptation. Key Courses: Epigenetics, Plant Biology Workshop, Group Seminars on Current Research Laboratory Techniques: Advanced methods in plant cell mechanics, transcriptomics, and genome editing Research Interests span plant epigenetics, reproductive biology, and the interplay between environmental stress and genetic regulation. He investigates: Mechanistic control of gametogenesis and fertilization Epigenetic contributions to plant adaptation Evolutionary implications of asexual reproduction Biophysical forces in plant cell growth Publication Trends (2025–2018) reveal expertise in: Arabidopsis and fern model systems Epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation, histone dynamics) Apomixis and hybrid seed failure mechanisms Biomechanics of pollen tubes and carnivorous plants Genome editing tools (CRISPR) and long-read sequencing Scientific Collaborations include interdisciplinary projects on: Microfluidic devices for plant cell analysis Gene drive ecology and ethics 3D imaging of plant reproductive structures Advising and Grants focus on mentoring through research internships in developmental biology, genetics, and systems biology. His lab engages in: Epigenetic response to environmental stress Cell wall mechanics in reproduction Computational modeling of plant growth Laboratory Teams integrate plant biologists, bioengineers, and computational scientists to study: Mechanistic gene regulation Evolutionary developmental biology Microrobotics for cellular force measurement

• Plant Biology
• Environmental Stress Biology
• Crop Improvement
• +3 more

Dr Farhad Masoomi-Aladizgeh is a Research Fellow in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney. His work focuses on understanding how environmental stresses like heat and drought impact crop fertility, particularly in cereal crops. He holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Plant Biology. His research emphasizes male reproductive systems in plants and seeks to identify molecular mechanisms underlying abiotic stress susceptibility to enhance climate resilience in crops. Education includes advanced training in plant sciences, with a focus on molecular biology and stress physiology. Current research projects explore transcriptome responses to stress, stress tolerance gene identification in crop relatives, and ABA-mediated stress protection in rice. His publications span plant proteomics, stress physiology, and molecular protocols, with a strong emphasis on drought and heat tolerance mechanisms. Notable work includes developing universal nucleic acid isolation protocols and analyzing stress responses in rice and cotton. No scientific awards are listed, but his contributions to crop resilience research are significant. He advises no current students but collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving genomic and proteomic approaches to agricultural challenges. Research is centered at the University of Sydney with potential collaborations in plant science labs focused on environmental stress mitigation strategies.

• Plant Development Systems
• Transcription Factors
• Floral Genetics
• +4 more

Gerco Angenent is a Full Professor in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology at Wageningen University & Research, part of the EPS Researcher group. His primary research focuses on plant development systems, transcription factors, and gene regulatory networks in plants like Arabidopsis, tomato, and tulip. He leads projects on epigenetic reprogramming, fruit ripening, and seed dormancy mechanisms. Key research interests include the functional roles of PEBP proteins, CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis in plants, and the molecular basis of floral organ development. Recent work explores how transcription factors like FRUITFULL and TCP5 regulate flowering time, inflorescence architecture, and embryo development. Angenent supervises multiple PhD candidates investigating topics such as wood lignin formation and BABY BOOM’s role in embryogenesis. His collaborative projects span international teams, with studies on temperature-dependent flowering pathways, genome editing tools for crop improvement, and the evolutionary origins of plant genes. Angenent has contributed to over 200 peer-reviewed publications and actively participates in academic outreach activities like media contributions and lectures.

• Plant Abiotic Stress
• Plant Adaptation
• Plant Development
• +7 more

Dorota Kawa is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Science, Utrecht University , specializing in Plant Stress Resilience and Experimental and Computational Plant Development . Her research focuses on plant-microbiome interactions, root development under stress, and bioinformatics approaches to enhance crop sustainability. Education : PhD in Plant Physiology and Cell Biology (2017, University of Amsterdam) MSc in Plant Biotechnology (2011, Warsaw University of Life Sciences) BSc in Biotechnology (2010, Warsaw University of Life Sciences) Research Interests span plant adaptation to abiotic stresses, microbiome-driven root cell modifications, and computational modeling of development. She investigates how microbial communities and genetic pathways regulate root metabolomes and cellular traits, particularly under salt and drought stress. Publication Trends show her work centers on Striga resistance in cereal crops, stress-induced root architecture changes , and microbiome-root interactions . She explores auxin-independent signaling and mRNA decay mechanisms to improve multi-stress resilience. Teaching includes courses on plant development and research design at Utrecht University. Her work contributes to Pathways to Sustainability and Future Food initiatives.

• Epigenetics
• Epigenomics
• Genetics
• +4 more

Dr. Steven Jacobsen is a Professor in the Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he leads the Jacobsen Lab. His work focuses on epigenetic inheritance and gene regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana and mammalian stem cells, utilizing genetic screens, genomics, epigenomics, and biochemical approaches. The lab also pioneers CRISPR-mediated genome editing techniques. University: University of California, Los Angeles Department: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Research Interests: Jacobsen's research spans multiple interconnected domains in epigenetics, including DNA methylation patterning, histone modification interplay, and transposable element silencing. His team investigates how chromatin structure influences gene expression and epigenetic inheritance, with applications from plant development to human health. Key areas include: CRISPR-based epigenetic modifications RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) mechanisms Chromatin compaction via MORC proteins Histone variant functions in methylation Transposon control in plant genomes Comparative epigenomics across species Advising Legacy: Over two decades, Dr. Jacobsen has mentored 21 former lab members who now hold academic and industry positions globally, including professors at Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Georgia, and Southern University of Science & Technology. His lab's publications reveal a consistent focus on DNA methylation dynamics, chromatin remodeling, and small RNA pathways, with recent work emphasizing CRISPR innovations and structural insights into epigenetic regulators.

Karin SchumacherView profile

Professor

• Cell Biology
• Plant Developmental Biology
• Plant Cell Biology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Karin Schumacher is a Professor of Plant Developmental Biology at Heidelberg University and currently serves as Vice-Rector for Quality Development and Sustainability. Her research focuses on plant cell biology, particularly vacuole dynamics, ion homeostasis, and membrane trafficking in Arabidopsis. She leads the Cell Biology Research Group at the Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) and has held leadership roles such as Dean of the Faculty of Biosciences. Her work integrates computational modeling with experimental approaches to study plant growth and stress responses. Dr. Schumacher's academic career includes a Doctorate from the University of Cologne and a Habilitation from the University of Tübingen. She has held professorial positions since 2007 and contributed to advancements in understanding plant membrane systems, including V-ATPase function and calcium signaling. Her research publications emphasize vacuolar ion transport, autophagy mechanisms, and plant stress physiology. Her administrative roles include enhancing early career researcher support and promoting sustainability in university operations. She is an active member of scientific societies like the German Botanical Society and serves on editorial boards such as Plant Cell . Her interdisciplinary work bridges cell biology, molecular genetics, and systems-level plant physiology.

Tian HongView profile

Associate Professor

• Systems Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Cancer Biology
• +7 more

Tian Hong is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas , with a joint appointment as Research Associate Professor at the Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville . His research focuses on systems biology, bioinformatics, cancer biology, and mathematical biology , particularly the plasticity and heterogeneity of epithelial and immune cells during development and cancer progression . He develops computational and mathematical models for gene regulatory networks, pattern formation, and dynamical systems. Education : PhD in Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology from Virginia Tech; MS in Bioinformatics from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; BS in Biological Sciences from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Previous Appointments : Associate Professor (2023–2024) and Assistant Professor (2017–2023) at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His recent publications explore noncoding RNA-driven oscillations , Turing pattern formation without feedback , and epithelial-mesenchymal transitions using single-cell transcriptomics and mathematical modeling . He has received the Professional Promise in Research and Creative Achievement Award (2024) and the Transdisciplinary Team Science Fellow (2009). His work is funded by NIH grants including R35GM149531 (PI) and R01GM140462 (completed PI). Dr. Hong advises PhD and Master’s students and collaborates with researchers at the Center for Systems Biology, UT Dallas . His lab ( link ) actively seeks undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers interested in interdisciplinary computational biology .

Sebastian WolfView profile

Professor

• Plant Cell Wall Signaling
• Plant Physiology and Development
• Cell Wall Biology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Wolf leads the Plant Cell Wall Signalling research group at the Center for Molecular Biology of the University of Tübingen (ZMBP) within the Faculty of Science. His work focuses on understanding how plant cell walls generate and transmit signals that regulate growth, development, and stress responses. Key areas include pectin surveillance via receptors like RLP44, integration of cell wall signals with brassinosteroid pathways, and cell fate decisions in meristems. He also explores cell wall biology in Miscanthus for bioenergy applications, targeting lignin quality optimization. Research highlights include discovering RLP44's role in BR signaling activation, developing inducible CRISPR-Cas9 systems for cell ablation, and identifying MYB transcription factors regulating lignin biosynthesis. His group uses Arabidopsis as a model with cutting-edge techniques like quantitative imaging and omics approaches. Current projects investigate cell wall signaling in shoot apical meristems and transcriptional networks in Miscanthus. Prof. Wolf collaborates internationally and publishes in high-impact journals (Nature Plants, EMBO Journal, Plant Cell). His lab trains PhD students and postdocs in plant cell biology, molecular genetics, and systems biology. Technical staff support advanced microscopy and biochemical analyses. No formal awards are listed, but his work has shaped understanding of cell wall signaling's role in plant development and stress adaptation.

Andrew R.G. PlackettView profile

Research Fellow

• Plant Evolution
• Seed Development
• Fern Genetics
• +3 more

Dr. Andrew R.G. Plackett is a Royal Society University Research Fellow at the School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, where he pioneers the use of functional genetic analysis in ferns to unravel one of plant evolution's great mysteries: how plants evolved seeds. His work focuses on comparing genetic networks between seedless plants (ferns) and seed-bearing plants to understand the evolutionary transition from spore-based to seed-based reproduction. Education: PhD in Plant Sciences, University of Nottingham/Rothamsted Research (2012) BA (Hons) in Biological Sciences, University of Oxford (2005) As a developmental geneticist, Dr. Plackett's research addresses fundamental questions about plant evolution and reproduction. His laboratory uses the fern Ceratopteris richardii as a model system to investigate how genetic networks controlling reproduction evolved. This work is particularly relevant to understanding modern plant reproduction mechanisms that underpin agricultural productivity and food security. His approach combines evolutionary biology with molecular genetics to uncover the genetic changes that occurred during one of the most significant transitions in plant evolution. Dr. Plackett's publication record demonstrates consistent focus on plant evolutionary developmental biology, with particular emphasis on fern genetics and the genetic basis of seed evolution. His work bridges molecular genetics with evolutionary biology, developing genetic tools for non-model plant systems while investigating fundamental questions about plant reproduction. Key themes include the role of transcription factors like LEAFY in plant development across evolutionary time, gibberellin hormone signaling in reproduction, and the genetic networks underlying the seed revolution in plant evolution. Scientific Recognition: Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2019) Dr. Plackett leads an active research group investigating the evolution of seed-based reproductive systems at the genetic level. His laboratory has established Ceratopteris richardii as a genetic model for studying plant evolution, developing methods for functional genetic analysis in ferns that enable comparative studies with seed plants. He welcomes inquiries from potential undergraduate research students and postgraduate candidates interested in plant evolution and genetics. His research group specializes in comparative genetic analysis between ferns and seed plants, with particular focus on transcription factor networks involved in reproductive development. The team has developed advanced genetic transformation protocols for ferns, overcoming previous technical barriers to studying gene function in this important plant lineage.

• Molecular Genetics
• Plant Development
• Genetics
• +3 more

Pablo D Jenik is a Professor of Biology whose research focuses on plant embryogenesis, particularly in the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana . His work investigates the molecular mechanisms controlling embryonic patterning and seed maturation, making significant contributions to plant developmental biology through genetic and molecular approaches. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 2000 Licenciado (B.Sc./M.Sc.) in Biology, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1994 Jenik's research program centers on understanding plant embryo formation with emphasis on two critical phases: patterning (spatial specification of cell types) and maturation (accumulation of reserves for germination). Early work characterized mutants affecting embryonic patterning, studying genes involved in microRNA synthesis (e.g., DICER-LIKE1) and protein degradation pathways (e.g., proteasome subunits). Recent research investigates genetic and physiological triggers initiating the seed maturation program, utilizing Arabidopsis for its stereotyped development that facilitates mutant analysis. Analysis of his publication record reveals a clear evolution from embryonic patterning to maturation processes. His work consistently integrates genetic, molecular, and physiological methodologies with strong undergraduate involvement. Key recurring themes include transcriptional regulation by trihelix factors, microRNA-mediated control, proteasome function, and the coordination of developmental timing—providing fundamental insights into plant reproduction with potential agricultural applications. Jenik has secured significant external funding including an NIH-NIGMS grant (1R15GM113186-01, 2015-2019) for characterizing maturation repressors and an NSF Major Research Instrumentation grant (DBI1626073, 2016-2018) for a confocal microscope. His mentorship of undergraduate researchers is evident through frequent student co-authorships. He teaches core courses including Genetics (BIO 305), Advanced Genetics and Epigenetics (BIO 352), and Evolutionary Developmental Biology (BIO 331), emphasizing research integration in the classroom. Operating within a research-intensive liberal arts college environment, Jenik's laboratory fosters close faculty-student collaboration. Current research directions include expanding embryo maturation studies to related plant species and investigating physiological signals coordinating maturation with developmental progression.

Crisanto GutierrezView profile

Professor

• Cell Cycle
• DNA Replication
• Chromatin
• +5 more

Crisanto Gutierrez is a distinguished Professor at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Head of the Genome Dynamics and Function Program at the Center for Molecular Biology Severo Ochoa in Madrid, Spain. With over three decades of academic service since 1982, he has held progressive academic ranks from Assistant Professor to his current full Professor position since 2002, establishing himself as an internationally recognized leader in plant molecular biology. His pioneering research focuses on the interplay between chromatin dynamics, DNA replication, and cell proliferation in plants, utilizing multidisciplinary approaches across cellular, molecular, genetic, and genomic domains. Gutierrez achieved seminal breakthroughs including the discovery of the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor protein in plants and deciphering geminivirus DNA replication mechanisms coupled to the cell cycle. His work primarily employs Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system to investigate fundamental biological processes, with particular expertise in endoreplication, epigenetics, chromatin organization, and root development. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory exploring chromatin organization's role in genome function, with increasing emphasis on epigenetic regulation of DNA replication origins and their developmental implications. His research bridges fundamental cell cycle mechanisms with plant-specific adaptations, demonstrating how chromatin landscapes dictate replication timing and transcriptional activity across different tissue types. Honors and awards include: EMBO Council Member (2020) ERC Advanced Grant PLANTGROWTH (2019-2024) Research Prize from Fundacion Carmen y Severo Ochoa (2008) Membership in the Royal Academy of Medicine and Surgery of Cadiz (2009) EMBO Membership (1998) Gutierrez maintains an active research program with continuous competitive funding since 1993, including his current European Research Council Advanced Grant. He has trained over 60 PhD and postdoctoral researchers, nine of whom now lead independent laboratories worldwide. His editorial leadership includes positions at EMBO Journal , EMBO Reports , and Plant Journal , while his advisory roles extend to research institutes in France, Spain, and Argentina. He serves on prestigious evaluation panels including LABEX (France) and the ERC Consolidator Grant Life Sciences panel.

Chi-Lien ChengView profile

Professor

• Plant Developmental Biology
• Plant Genetics
• Evolutionary Developmental Biology
• +1 more

Chi-Lien Cheng is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Iowa, where she investigates fundamental mechanisms of plant development with emphasis on alternation of generations in land plants and vegetative phase change in maize. Her research program leverages the model fern Ceratopteris richardii to dissect asexual life cycle transitions and identify evolutionarily conserved genetic pathways. Education: PhD, University of Connecticut Dr. Cheng's research integrates genetics, molecular biology, and evolutionary perspectives to understand how plants regulate developmental transitions across generations. Her laboratory focuses on molecular mechanisms controlling gametophyte-sporophyte switching in ferns and phase change in maize, utilizing genomic, transcriptomic, and functional approaches to elucidate conserved regulatory networks. This work provides critical insights into the evolution of developmental processes from non-seed to seed plants. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2018-2025) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) WOX gene family evolution and function in fern gametophyte development, (2) hormonal and epigenetic regulation of vegetative phase change in maize, and (3) molecular adaptation mechanisms in mangroves under environmental stress. Her publications consistently bridge model systems—from ferns to maize to mangroves—demonstrating how comparative approaches uncover universal principles in plant development. Dr. Cheng leads an active research laboratory that pioneered transformation techniques for Ceratopteris gametophytes, enabling genetic dissection of asexual reproduction pathways. Her team's identification of key genes in apogamy and apospory provides foundational knowledge for understanding apomixis in crop plants, with potential applications for agricultural innovation through clonal seed production.

Juan Alonso-SerraView profile

Researcher

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• +4 more

Juan Alonso-Serra is a University Researcher at the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program within the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki. His work integrates molecular, cellular, and organismal approaches to investigate fundamental mechanisms in plant development and environmental adaptation. His research focuses on plant biomechanics, molecular signaling, and evolutionary biology, with specific expertise in turgor pressure dynamics, cell wall architecture, and hormonal regulation of growth. Key investigations include water flux patterns in meristems, callose deposition in woody tissues, auxin-strigolactone crosstalk in tree architecture, and carbon sequestration feedback mechanisms. This interdisciplinary work bridges biochemistry, biophysics, and systems biology to unravel how mechanical and biochemical pathways co-regulate plant morphogenesis. Analysis of his 2021-2024 publications reveals a dominant theme in plant mechanobiology, where turgor-driven processes interact with molecular signaling to shape organ development. His studies employ advanced techniques including nano-architecture imaging, mutant phenotyping, and computational modeling, with consistent emphasis on translating cellular-scale mechanisms to whole-plant architectural outcomes. Recurring subfields include meristem function, cell wall dynamics, and hormone gradient formation across diverse plant systems. Dr. Alonso-Serra currently participates in the Horizon Europe-funded project Uncovering turgor sensing in the Arabid (2024-2026), supporting his research on mechanical force transduction in plant cells. While no formal student advising is documented, his collaborative network spans 14+ international institutions as evidenced by multi-author publications in high-impact journals including Nature Communications and PNAS .

Franziska FichtnerView profile

Researcher

• Plant Metabolism
• Plant Development
• Sugar Signaling
• +3 more

Dr. Franziska Fichtner serves as a Researcher at the Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, where she leads an independent research program investigating the intersection of plant metabolism and development. Her work centers on trehalose 6-phosphate (Tre6P), a sugar-signalling metabolite that functions as both a sucrose-specific signal and negative feedback regulator of sucrose levels—operating analogously to the insulin-glucagon system in animals. This research is critical for understanding how plants efficiently allocate carbon resources through their primary transport sugar, sucrose. Fichtner's research demonstrates Tre6P's essential role in plant viability, with mutations in the TREHALOSE-6-PHOSPHATE SYNTHASE1 (TPS1) gene causing embryo lethality in Arabidopsis thaliana. Her group localized Tre6P synthesis to meristematic tissues and vasculature using tagged TPS1 constructs, revealing its systemic role in regulating flowering time, shoot branching, and root development. Current investigations focus on Tre6P's potential phytohormone-like behavior, its modulation of root-shoot growth trade-offs, and interactions with established phytohormone pathways to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying plant architecture responses to sugar supply. Analysis of her 2017-2022 publications reveals consistent advancement in understanding Tre6P's dual metabolic and developmental functions across model systems including Arabidopsis thaliana and garden pea. Her work bridges fundamental plant biology with potential agricultural applications, particularly in carbon partitioning efficiency and yield optimization under environmental stress. Key contributions include establishing Tre6P as a master regulator of bud outgrowth, shoot architecture, and metabolic homeostasis. No scientific awards were documented in the source materials. Dr. Fichtner directs a research group at the Institute of Plant Biochemistry but specific mentoring relationships or grant funding details were not disclosed in the available information. Her laboratory operates within the Institute of Plant Biochemistry at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, utilizing molecular, biochemical, and genetic approaches to dissect Tre6P signaling networks. The research environment emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration across plant metabolism and development, with ongoing work focused on reconstructing Tre6P's systemic signaling mechanisms and their implications for plant productivity.

Joseph KieberView profile

Professor

• Plant Hormone Signaling
• Ethylene Biosynthesis
• Cell Expansion Regulation
• +3 more

Joseph Kieber is a Kenan Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on plant hormones, particularly cytokinin and ethylene, investigating their roles in signaling, biosynthesis, and developmental regulation. He leads the Kieber Lab, which combines genetic, molecular, and biochemical approaches to study plant growth and development. Key research areas include cytokinin signal transduction (modeled after bacterial two-component systems), regulation of ethylene biosynthesis (via ACS protein stability), and cell expansion mechanisms in roots. The lab uses Arabidopsis as a primary model, with extensions to rice. Recent work explores interactions between hormones, cell wall dynamics, and environmental stress responses. Publications highlight discoveries in cytokinin-response genes, rice developmental pathways, and mechanisms linking ethylene to cell expansion. The lab is funded by the National Science Foundation and USDA, with ongoing projects addressing hormone crosstalk and stress resilience in plants.