معرفی
Sally Mackenzie is an Academic Affiliate Professor at the Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the Departments of Biology and Plant Science. Her laboratory focuses on understanding how nuclear genes interact with mitochondria and plastids to control plant growth and environmental responses. Key research areas include the role of MSH1—a plant-specific gene—in mediating phenotypic plasticity, stress responses, and epigenetic reprogramming. Collaborations include work with EpiCrop Technologies to apply epigenetic insights to crop improvement.
Her research integrates molecular biology, genetics, epigenomics, and computational approaches, using model plants like Arabidopsis, tomato, soybean, sorghum, and canola. The lab investigates how environmental stresses trigger changes in organelle behavior and epigenetic modifications, which can influence plant growth and inheritance. Recent studies explore methylome repatterning, stress-induced redox dynamics, and the development of epigenetic breeding systems for enhanced crop resilience.
Publications highlight discoveries in DNA methylation dynamics, plastid signaling, and the application of epigenetic tools for agricultural innovation. Sally Mackenzie’s work bridges fundamental plant biology with practical applications in crop science, emphasizing sustainable agriculture and environmental adaptation.
Students and postdocs in her lab engage in comparative genomics, field studies, and computational biology, with opportunities to explore topics like gene network analysis and proteomic studies. The lab is actively recruiting researchers interested in epigenetics, plant signaling, and biostatistics.
