Research

Our primary focus centers on understanding plant cell wall metabolic processes and, more specifically, the biosynthesis of lignin and related phenolic compounds. Lignin (from Latin lignum: wood) is a heterogeneous aromatic polymer produced in plant cell walls and the second most abundant biopolymer in nature. It constitutes up to 40% of the dry weight of plants and provides mechanical support, facilitates the transport of water and nutrients through the vascular system, and plays a crucial role in plant responses to environmental stresses. As a major component of plants, and due to its inherent chemical properties, lignin is an attractive source for conversion into renewable energy and a target for CO2 storage and sequestration. Work in our laboratory centers on the genetic manipulation of lignin in plant cell walls. Our research group uses Arabidopsis, Brachypodium, maize, and poplar as model systems for gene discovery and validation, and seeks to translate this knowledge into plant breeding, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology programs. We see plant biochemistry, genetics, and biotechnology as key disciplines to speed up the transition from a fossil-based economy to a more sustainable post-petroleum world.

Work in our laboratory pursues three broad goals:

1. To improve food and feed crops for stress tolerance, forage quality, and CO2 sequestration.

2. To develop bioenergy crops for sustainable production of fuels, chemicals, and bioproducts.

3. To generate trees with improved properties for paper pulp production.