Dissertation title:

Polarity Determinants in Ovule Development and Evolution

Ph.D. expected: June, 2009

Major advisor: Charles S. Gasser

Research interests:

Understanding the causal forces underlying plant development and how these determinants have been origins of morphological novelty during evolution are major challenges for plant biologists. Generally, I am interested in understanding plant development by examining the molecular basis of specification, initiation, and pattern formation underlying organ morphogenesis. I am also interested in using such developmental genetic studies as a foundation to enhance our understanding of plant evolution.

My thesis research is focused on ovule development and evolution, as ovules are precursors to seeds and have varied morphologies among flowering plants. Primarily, I am working to further define the role of polarity establishment in integument growth through expression analyses, genetic and transgenic studies of KANADI (KAN) and Class III Homeodomain-Leucine Zipper transcription factors. I am also examining how the KAN transcription factor ABERRANT TESTA SHAPE (ATS)/KAN4 acts to repress integument fusion in Arabidopsis. I hope to translate this information into an evo-devo study of derived unitegmy among the asterids using comparative and transgenic approaches.