Bridging molecular biology and climate science
I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Niyogi Lab at UC Berkeley's Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, working at the intersection of plant molecular biology and climate change mitigation. My research applies CRISPR genome editing to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and carbon sequestration in plants.
I completed my Ph.D. in the Zachary Nimchuk Lab at UNC Chapel Hill, where I uncovered novel connections between receptor complexes, hormone signaling, and plant meristem development.
My skillset spans molecular biology, confocal and SEM imaging, bioinformatics, and experimental design — paired with a commitment to communicating science across disciplines.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Niyogi Lab, UC Berkeley
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill
UCLA
Photosynthesis · CRISPR
Carbon Sequestration
Current & Past Research
CRISPR for Carbon Removal
Niyogi Lab · UC Berkeley
Part of an $11M Chan Zuckerberg Initiative-funded program at the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI), editing photosynthetic pathways in rice to improve efficiency by up to 50% and promoting long-term carbon sequestration in soil.
Learn more at IGI →CLV Receptor Signaling & Meristem Development
Nimchuk Lab · UNC Chapel Hill · Ph.D.
Identified a novel connection between the CLV2/CRN receptor complex and flower development, demonstrating how temperature and auxin modulate this process. Used CRISPR in Arabidopsis, confocal microscopy across 14+ reporter lines, and RNA-seq analysis.
DNA Methylation & Folate Metabolism
Jacobsen Lab · UCLA · Undergraduate
Investigated the role of MTHFD1 and folate metabolism in DNA methylation in Arabidopsis. Contributed root growth assay data and BS-Seq library preparation published in Nature Communications.
Plant Breeding & Protoplast Optimization
Syngenta · Industry Internship · 2022
Cloned key vectors for plant breeding optimization via Golden Gate and RE cloning. Optimized a protoplast assay for high-throughput screening; contributed to maize embryo rescue across two cross-functional project teams.
Selected Publications
A network of CLAVATA receptors buffers auxin-dependent meristem maintenance.
bioRxiv — Preprint; submitted to Nature Plants
doi:10.1101/2022.05.27.493758CLAVATA Signaling Ensures Reproductive Development in Plants across Thermal Environments.
Current Biology
doi:10.1016/j.cub.2020.10.008A little goes a long way: CLE peptides mediate phloem initiation.
Journal of Integrative Plant Biology
doi:10.1111/jipb.12868Academic & Professional Journey
Postdoctoral Researcher
Niyogi Lab · UC Berkeley, Dept. Plant & Microbial Biology
Applying CRISPR genome editing to improve photosynthetic efficiency and carbon sequestration in plants, as part of the IGI Carbon Removal initiative funded by Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Reproductive Biology Intern
Syngenta · Durham, North Carolina
Cloned 2 key vectors for plant breeding optimization; optimized protoplast assay for high-throughput screening; contributed to maize embryo rescue and field work.
Ph.D. Candidate — Biology
Zachary Nimchuk Lab · UNC Chapel Hill
Investigated CLV receptor signaling in plant meristem development. Developed expertise in CRISPR, confocal & SEM microscopy, and RNA-seq. Published 3 papers; presented at 4 international conferences.
Undergraduate Researcher
Steve Jacobsen Lab · UCLA
Uncovered the role of folate metabolism in DNA methylation via MTHFD1. Contributed to root growth assays and BS-Seq library preparation published in Nature Communications.
B.S. Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology (Honors)
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Selected Talks
- 2022American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Annual Meeting — Portland, OR
- 2021Plant Hormone Meeting — Duke, NC
- 2019Plant Molecular Biology Retreat — Wilmington, NC
- 2019American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Annual Meeting — San Jose, CA
Get in Touch
Interested in collaborating, discussing research, or connecting? I'd love to hear from you.