Jonathan Fitz Gerald

Jonathan Fitz Gerald serves as Associate Professor of Biology at Rhodes College, where he teaches core courses including Biology I, Animal Development, Genetics, and advanced seminars on Stem Cells, Seeds, Morphogenesis, and Evolution of Multicellularity. His academic work spans plant developmental biology with emphasis on molecular genetics and epigenetic regulation.

• Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago
• B.S. in Biological Sciences, University of California at Irvine

Dr. Fitz Gerald's research centers on seed development in Arabidopsis thaliana, specifically investigating the gene AtFH5 and its role in endosperm morphogenesis. His laboratory employs molecular biology, genetics, and advanced microscopy techniques including H2B::RFP labeling to study parental genome imprinting mechanisms. Key questions address how Polycomb group complexes regulate maternal-specific expression of AtFH5 and how cytoskeletal dynamics control nutrient transfer to the embryo. His work bridges fundamental developmental processes with agricultural applications in seed size determination.

Analysis of his publication record (1999-2016) reveals a progression from vascular development and yeast cell biology to focused research on seed formation. His most significant contributions involve epigenetic regulation of endosperm development, with recurring themes of genomic imprinting, actin cytoskeleton function, and quantitative genetic control of seed traits. The publications demonstrate consistent use of Arabidopsis as a model system with increasing specialization in reproductive biology.

Dr. Fitz Gerald actively mentors undergraduate researchers, evidenced by multiple publications featuring undergraduate co-authors (denoted by †). His teaching portfolio spans introductory to advanced levels with specialized seminars reflecting his research interests. The Fitz Gerald Lab maintains active research on endosperm cell division dynamics using fluorescent labeling techniques to visualize developmental processes in real time.