David Braun

Dr. David Braun is a Professor of Biological Sciences and Plant Sciences at the University of Missouri. His research focuses on the genetic control of carbon partitioning in plants, particularly maize, with emphasis on sucrose transporters and phloem function. He leads a lab investigating how carbohydrate hyperaccumulation mutants like tie-dyed1 (tdy1) influence sugar export mechanisms and cell wall structure. His work integrates genetics, physiology, and molecular biology to enhance bioenergy crop resilience and improve carbohydrate utilization.

Education: Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri (1997).

Research Interests: Genetic regulation of carbohydrate distribution, sucrose transporter function, phloem anatomy, cell wall biology, and crop adaptation to environmental stress. His lab has identified key genes like TDY1 involved in sugar sensing and signaling, linking carbohydrate accumulation to structural changes in plant tissues.

Awards & Honors:

• L. Stadler Mid-Career Maize Genetics Award (2023)
• MAA Faculty Award (2020)
• Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Research (2019)
• Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2018)

Advising & Grants: While specific student names are not listed, Braun’s research program supports graduate training in plant genetics and biochemistry. His work has been funded by grants investigating bioenergy crop traits and plant stress responses.

Labs & Teams: His laboratory focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to plant carbohydrate biology, collaborating with groups studying crop resilience and molecular genetics.