Meristem Function Professors and Supervisors

Shinhan Shiuمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Michigan State UniversityUnited States

Shinhan Shiu is a Professor at the Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering and holds a secondary appointment in Plant Biology at Michigan State University. His research integrates computational approaches with plant genetics to understand genome evolution, stress biology, and gene regulation. Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University Plant Biology, Michigan State University Molecular Plant Sciences Program, Michigan State University Genetics & Genome Sciences Program, Michigan State University Cell & Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University Shiu's research focuses on genome evolution, stress biology, and the application of machine learning in predictive plant biology. His work explores how genetic and environmental information translate into phenotypes and leverages computational methods to improve genomic prediction and understanding of plant stress responses. Recent publications highlight the use of machine learning in identifying stress-related genes, modeling transcriptional responses to environmental stimuli, and developing computational tools for plant phenotyping. His lab emphasizes collaborative and inclusive training of future scientists, with a focus on interdisciplinary communication and critical thinking. Red Cedar Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University The Shiu Lab fosters an energetic, collaborative environment and engages in outreach to promote science education. The team develops software tools and resources for plant genomics, with applications in agriculture and evolutionary studies.

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Vera van Noortمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

KU LeuvenBelgium

Prof. Vera van Noort is a faculty member at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering and leads the Computational Systems Biology group at KU Leuven . Her research focuses on integrating multi-omics data , bioinformatics , and computational modeling to unravel molecular mechanisms in microbial systems and protein interactions . She chairs the Leuven Centre for Biosciences, Bioengineering and Biotechnology and contributes to KU Leuven One Health initiatives. PhD in Molecular Biology (2007) - Radboud University Nijmegen Professor at KU Leuven since 2013 Her research explores: Phage-host interactions : Analyzing lysine acetylation and post-translational modifications during phage infections in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Machine learning applications : Developing tools like SCARAP for comparative genomics and FLAMS for PTM analysis Therapeutic phage cocktail design : Through projects like PHAGEFORCE and EnzyMares Her recent articles demonstrate expertise in: Multi-omics integration for gene prioritization (2025) Structural bioinformatics of phage proteins (2025) Microbial acetylome analysis (2024) Computational enzyme discovery (2023) Teaching responsibilities include courses in: Bioinformatics Programming for Bioscience Engineers Omics Techniques

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Roosa Anna Emilia Laitinenمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

University of HelsinkiFinland

Roosa Anna Emilia Laitinen is an Associate Professor at the University of Helsinki , affiliated with the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme . She contributes to plant science research through computational modeling, genetic studies, and molecular ecology. Current projects: Genetic basis and adaptive value of temperature-mediated flower size plasticity (2023–2027) Collaborative initiatives: Viikki Molecular Plant Sciences (VMPS) (since 2011) Research Interests focus on plant phenotypic plasticity, metabolic trade-offs, and genetic regulation of growth responses to environmental stressors. Her work bridges computational biology with experimental validation in Arabidopsis thaliana and Gerbera hybrida systems.

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Seong Bin Hwangمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaUnited States

Seong Bin Hwang is a Professor at the Department of Bioindustry and Bioresource Engineering, Sejong University, with a research focus on plant responses to environmental stressors. His work bridges molecular biology and environmental toxicology to develop resilient plant systems. Education: Ph.D. (University of Texas at Austin, 1994), M.S. and B.S. from Yonsei University (1987, 1985) Professional Experience: Faculty member at Sejong University since 1999; researcher at UC Berkeley (1996–1999) and Harvard University (1994–1996) Research interests center on plant stress biology, particularly heavy metal tolerance/accumulation , endocrine disruptor responses , root development inhibition , epigenetic regulation , and genome editing . His work addresses molecular mechanisms of stress tolerance and phytoremediation applications. The 15 most recent articles highlight trends in Arabidopsis stress responses , proteasome activation , and genetic engineering . Key subfields include metal transporters, ROS signaling, and phytosensing for environmental pollutants. Collaborations span institutions like UC Berkeley and Harvard, with external networks in environmental plant biology. Research metrics include 44 publications and an h-index of 22, reflecting significant contributions to plant stress physiology.

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Vilde Olsson Lalunمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر ارشد

University of OsloNorway

Vilde Olsson Lalun is a postdoctoral fellow at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), University of Oslo. She obtained her BSc and MSc in Molecular Biology at UiO in 2013 and 2015, respectively, and completed her PhD in Genetics in 2020 under the supervision of Prof. Melinka Alonso Butenko. Her current research integrates experimental biology and bioinformatics within the interdisciplinary REPEAT project, focusing on how short tandem repeat (STR) variation influences adaptation and gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana and Atlantic cod. Education 2013 – BSc in Molecular Biology, University of Oslo 2015 – MSc in Molecular Biology (Plant Genetics), University of Oslo 2020 – PhD in Genetics, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo Thesis: "Molecular investigation of receptor kinase signaling specificity in Arabidopsis thaliana" Research Interests Dr Lalun’s work sits at the intersection of molecular plant biology , evolutionary genomics , and functional genetics . During her PhD she dissected peptide ligand–receptor kinase specificity using the IDA–HAE/HSL2 signalling module as a model. Presently, she investigates how STR length polymorphisms modulate gene expression and organismal fitness under environmental stress, leveraging both Arabidopsis and Atlantic cod as complementary model systems. Core methodological strengths include generation of transgenic lines, advanced live-cell imaging, quantitative microscopy, and integrative bioinformatic analyses. She actively contributes to the REPEAT consortium, an interdisciplinary team that addresses fundamental questions of genome plasticity and climate adaptation. By coupling large-scale comparative genomics with targeted experiments, the project aims to clarify how repetitive DNA elements shape regulatory networks controlling development and immunity. Publication Profile Across 11 peer-reviewed papers (2017-2025) in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications , PNAS , eLife , and Plant Cell , her research spans three major themes: Functional dissection of peptide signalling pathways in plant development and immunity. Comparative genomics of short tandem repeats and their impact on gene regulation. Mechanistic studies of receptor kinase activation and signalling specificity. The 2024-2025 outputs include a lead-author review on plant peptide ligands and multi-omics studies that link STR variation to gene body architecture in eukaryotes. Teaching & Outreach Dr Lalun is a committed educator and science communicator. She instructs two undergraduate courses: BIOS1120 – Physiology BIOS3610 – Molecular Plant Science Beyond the classroom she co-hosts the Norwegian-language podcast BioPodden , produces popular-science YouTube lectures, and gives interviews that demystify plant genetics for the public. Collaborations & Networks She is an active member of the Butenko Group at UiO and collaborates extensively within the CEES and the national REPEAT project network. The lab provides cutting-edge facilities for molecular biology, microscopy and bioinformatics, ensuring a vibrant environment for integrative research.

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Chun-Ming Liuمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant ResearchGermany

Chun-Ming Liu is Professor and Dean of the School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences at Peking University, Beijing, China, where he leads research in plant molecular genetics with primary focus on rice improvement. His institutional role combines academic leadership with active laboratory research. Research interests center on rice genomics, domestication mechanisms, and molecular regulation of key agronomic traits. His work examines seed development pathways, aleurone layer formation, plant architecture control, and mitochondrial functions in crop physiology. Recent investigations integrate evolutionary genomics with molecular physiology to bridge fundamental discoveries with agricultural applications. Publication trends (2020-2021) reveal concentrated research on rice grain development and nutritional enhancement, with significant contributions to understanding aleurone layer biology, seed germination mechanisms, and domestication genomics. His work demonstrates consistent interdisciplinary approaches combining molecular genetics, physiological analysis, and evolutionary perspectives. Professor Liu maintains active supervision of research projects with emphasis on genomic analysis and molecular validation techniques. His laboratory employs transient expression systems, mutation detection methodologies, and detailed phenotypic characterization for crop improvement research. Research operations include collaborations with international partners across multiple publications, utilizing shared resources for genomic and physiological studies. Current projects focus on connecting genetic variation to nutritional and developmental traits in rice.

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Melis Kucukoglu Topcuمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر ارشد

University of HelsinkiFinland

Melis Kucukoglu Topcu is an Academy Research Fellow at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and the Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS) . She supervises doctoral researchers in the Doctoral Programme in Plant Sciences and leads the Forest Tree Cambial Research (FORCAM) group. Education PhD in Biology (2024, University of Helsinki) MSc in Molecular Biology (2015, Umeå University) BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics (2009, Istanbul Technical University) Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms regulating vascular cambium development , lateral growth , and vascular continuity in plants. Model systems include hybrid aspen trees, birch, and Arabidopsis roots. Key methodologies involve CRISPR-Cas9 , inducible gene expression , and single-cell transcriptomics . Recent publications from 2023-2025 highlight her work on hormone-regulated cambial activity , transcription factor function , and genetic systems controlling plant thickness and vascular patterns. Collaborative projects span Finland, Sweden, and international institutions. Scientific Awards Best Journal Article 2019 prize New Phytologist Symposia Travel Grant (2018) Rank Prize Funds Oral Presentation Award (2015) Seth M Kempe Stipend (2012) Wallenbergs and Hjelms Fund Grant (2011) She has supervised 11 researchers at various levels since 2018, including post-doctoral fellows, doctoral candidates, and international exchange students. Teaching roles include Plant Developmental Biology , Translational Plant Biology , and laboratory courses in molecular biology. Current projects under the Academy of Finland explore genetic control of lateral growth, vascular development, and carbon sink mechanisms in trees. Collaborations include the TreeBio Centre of Excellence and international biotechnology workshops.

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Paula Elomaaمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

University of HelsinkiFinland

Paula Elomaa is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Helsinki and leads the Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS) . She supervises doctoral students in both the Integrative Life Science and Plant Sciences programmes. Her research focuses on Asteraceae developmental biology and secondary metabolism , exploring gene regulation in meristem plasticity and inflorescence architecture. Key research areas: Plant Biology (11831), Genetics, Developmental Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Her Google Scholar publications (92 total) emphasize flower development (2000–2025), strawberry genetics (2012–2025), and LED lighting impacts on plant growth (2018–2025). She has secured major grants from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation and Academy of Finland (2021–2025) for studies on meristem dynamics and Asteraceae evolution . Scientific recognition includes the Golden Badge of Merit of the Horticultural Association (2022) . She has contributed to peer review for journals like New Phytologist and Annals of Botany (145 reviews) and appeared in 22 media outlets , including interviews in Helsingin Sanomat and science communication initiatives.

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Teng Zhangمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر ارشد

University of HelsinkiFinland

Teng Zhang is an Academy Research Fellow (2024-2028) and Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, specializing in Asteraceae developmental biology with focus on capitulum formation and secondary metabolism. He serves as a supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Plant Sciences and maintains an active research profile through Academy of Finland-funded projects. Dr. Zhang's research centers on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying complex inflorescence development in Asteraceae, particularly investigating phyllotaxis, vascular patterning, and the evolutionary co-option of floral regulators. His work integrates experimental approaches with computational modeling to decipher developmental plasticity in meristem organization, while exploring connections between symmetry establishment and secondary metabolite production in floral tissues. This interdisciplinary approach bridges plant morphology, evolutionary biology, and systems modeling. Analysis of his publication trajectory reveals consistent focus on Asteraceae morphogenesis since 2016, with recent expansion into comparative developmental studies (e.g., woodland strawberry) and increased emphasis on vascular patterning mechanisms. His collaborative publications demonstrate strong partnerships with mathematical biologists and molecular geneticists, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern plant developmental research. Dr. Zhang has received significant early-career recognition: Poster Prize at International Conference on Arabidopsis Research (2018) Poster Prize at The 37th New Phytologist Symposium (2016) Best Presentation Award for Ph.D. students at Flower Development Workshop (2019) As principal investigator for the Academy of Finland project 'Diversity and evolution of flower arrangement in Asteraceae plants' (2024-2028), he leads research on capitulum diversity. He previously contributed to two major Academy projects: 'Developmental plasticity of head meristems in Asteraceae' (2021-2025) and 'Temperature as climate adaptation driver' (2018-2023). His doctoral supervision in Plant Sciences is complemented by extensive peer review activities for journals including New Phytologist, Journal of Experimental Botany, and Horticulture Research. Dr. Zhang operates within a dynamic research ecosystem centered at Helsinki's Viikki Campus, collaborating closely with Prof. Paula Elomaa's group on Gerbera developmental genetics and maintaining international partnerships with mathematical modeling experts like Prof. Przemyslaw Prusinkiewicz. His work contributes to fundamental understanding of plant morphological evolution with potential applications in crop improvement.

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Aleksia Vaattovaaraمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

University of HelsinkiFinland

Aleksia Vaattovaara is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program. She works in the intersection of bioinformatics, molecular biology, and plant genomics. Research Interests : Evolution of plant proteins (e.g., DUF26-containing proteins), reactive oxygen species regulation, nutrient deficiency responses, chromatin-level phenotypic variation, and climate adaptation mechanisms. Projects : Participation in Academy of Finland projects (TreeBio, ASTROS), Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation grants, and interdisciplinary chromatin regulation studies. Publications Trends : Focus on Arabidopsis as a model organism, integrating computational genomics with experimental validation to study protein evolution, stress signaling, and gene annotation quality. Conference Activities : Active participation in 12 international events (2013–2024), including Keystone Meetings, Arabidopsis Research conferences, and Plant Genome Evolution symposiums. Roles included poster presentations and invited talks.

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Kariali Ekamberمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Louisiana State University of AlexandriaUnited States

Kariali Ekamber is a Professor at Sambalpur University in the School of Life Sciences, Odisha, India. With an academic career spanning nearly three decades, he has established himself as a prominent researcher in plant physiology with a specialized focus on rice biology. His academic journey at Sambalpur University includes serving as Professor since 1997, and previously as Head of the School of Life Sciences and Reader in Biotechnology from 1995 to 2015. Dr. Ekamber's research interests center on rice physiology, particularly examining tiller development, grain filling mechanisms, ethylene signaling pathways, and starch biosynthesis. His work investigates how environmental factors influence rice growth patterns and yield potential, with particular attention to the physiological mechanisms that limit grain filling in modern high-yielding rice varieties. He has also expanded his research to include UV-B resistance in rice and mosquito vector control in tribal areas of India. His publication record shows consistent output with 81 publications that have garnered 20,337 reads and 746 citations. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate continued active research, with numerous book chapters and articles focusing on rice development, stress responses, and evolutionary aspects. His work reveals a trend toward increasingly interdisciplinary research, connecting plant physiology with climate change adaptation, food security, and public health concerns. Dr. Ekamber collaborates extensively with Pravat Mohapatra's Lab and has co-authored works with researchers including Trupti Mohapatra, Iswar Baitharu, Sushanta Dash, Sudhanshu Sekhar, and Kaushik Das. His research spans plant physiology, biotechnology, entomology, and nutritional science, demonstrating a broad scientific approach to agricultural challenges. His work on wild rice relatives like Oryza rufipogon provides valuable insights into stress tolerance mechanisms that could be transferred to cultivated varieties, addressing critical challenges in climate-resilient agriculture.

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Maria von Korff Schmisingمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchGermany

Maria von Korff Schmising is a Professor at the Institute for Plant Genetics at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf and serves as the speaker of CEPLAS (Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences), a major transregional research initiative focused on plant performance and adaptation. Her research primarily investigates the genetic control of plant development, flowering time, and environmental adaptation in barley as a model crop. Prof. von Korff Schmising's research centers on understanding how genetic variation influences meristem development, tillering, and stress responses in cereal crops. She exploits genetic resources in barley and its wild relatives to dissect the molecular mechanisms controlling annual versus perennial growth characteristics. Her work bridges fundamental plant biology with practical applications in crop improvement, particularly for developing climate-resilient varieties. Key research areas include circadian clock regulation of flowering, drought response mechanisms, inflorescence architecture, and the genetic basis of meristem phase change. Analysis of her publication record from 2015-2024 reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on the genetic regulation of barley development, with increasing emphasis on environmental adaptation. Her work demonstrates how fundamental discoveries in gene function (such as HvAP2L-H5, Ppd-H1, and FT-like genes) connect to agronomic traits like flowering time, spike development, and grain yield. A recurring theme is the interaction between environmental signals and genetic pathways controlling plant development. Prof. von Korff Schmising leads multiple research areas within CEPLAS including Optimizing Plant Performance by Mapping the Interface between Development and Metabolism, Plant Microbiota Metabolic Networks and Edaphic Adaptation, and Theoretical Plant Biology and Data Science. She collaborates extensively with the IPK (Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research), leveraging their genebank resources, digital resource center, and automated phenotyping infrastructure. Her research aims to develop climate-adapted and resource-efficient crops by deciphering how genetic variation affects plant performance in different environments.

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Christian Hardtkeمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

University of LausanneSwitzerland

Plant Growth and Development
Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Development
Root System Architecture
+۶ مورد دیگر

Professor Christian Hardtke is a leading researcher in plant molecular biology at the Department of Plant Molecular Biology within the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at the University of Lausanne. He directs an active research laboratory focused on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms controlling plant growth and development. His work bridges fundamental plant science with potential applications in sustainable biomass production. Prof. Hardtke's research centers on the genetic control of plant growth rate and morphology, particularly investigating root system architecture and secondary growth mechanisms. His laboratory exploits natural genetic variation in Arabidopsis thaliana to identify genes responsible for quantitative aspects of plant form. Key research areas include phloem differentiation, hormone signaling pathways (particularly CLE peptides and brassinosteroids), and the molecular basis of developmental plasticity in plants. Analysis of Prof. Hardtke's recent publications reveals a strong focus on receptor kinase signaling pathways, cell-cell communication in vascular development, and the genetic basis of plant morphological variation. His work often combines genetic, molecular, and cell biological approaches to unravel complex developmental processes, with several publications appearing in high-impact journals including PNAS, Nature Communications, and The Plant Cell. Prof. Hardtke actively supervises PhD students, with recent graduates including Hang, Nicholay, and Ana Cecilia Aliaga Fandino. His laboratory receives generous research funding that supports multiple projects exploring fundamental aspects of plant development. He has established a productive research program with numerous collaborations and publications spanning plant genetics, molecular biology, and developmental physiology. The Hardtke Lab maintains a strong research presence investigating the molecular mechanisms of plant growth and development, with particular emphasis on how plants control their form through genetic and environmental interactions. The laboratory continues to make significant contributions to our understanding of plant developmental biology, with implications for both basic science and potential agricultural applications.

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Lena Maria Muellerمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

Salk Institute for Biological StudiesUnited States

Dr. Lena Maria Mueller is an Assistant Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, leading the Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory. Her research focuses on deciphering molecular mechanisms governing plant-microbe symbiosis, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, to enhance sustainable agriculture and carbon sequestration. She collaborates with Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative to develop climate-resilient crops. Education: BSc/MSc Biology, University of Tübingen, Germany PhD Plant Science, University of Zurich, Switzerland Postdoctoral Fellow, Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University Mueller's research investigates three core areas: molecular signaling pathways in plant-fungal communication, integration of physiological signals for optimal carbon-nutrient balance, and genetic determinants of symbiosis success under environmental stress. Her work aims to engineer crops that optimize fungal partnerships for improved nutrient uptake and carbon storage. Her publications consistently explore plant-microbe signaling, genetic regulators of symbiosis, and agricultural applications. Recent work emphasizes peptide-mediated communication, transcriptional networks controlling fungal colonization, and engineering symbiotic efficiency in crops like Medicago truncatula. Awards & Honors: Sharon Gray Women’s Young Investigator Award (2020) German Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (2017) Swiss National Science Foundation Advanced Mobility Fellowship (2017) Best Oral Presentation Award, International Conference on Sexual Plant Reproduction (2014) Mueller leads an international research team including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and technicians. Current projects focus on CLAVATA signaling pathways, fungal peptide mimics, and developing mycorrhiza-enhanced crops. The lab utilizes genetics, molecular biology, and physiology approaches to study plant-microbe interactions.

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