Research
We are studying how plants establish patterning during embryogenesis. Our research is focused on understanding the function of the Arabidopsis BOBBER gene. bob null mutants abort as embryos and have enlarged meristematic domains. We have isolated partial loss of function alleles which are viable and display a wide range of phenotypes. A subset of these are reminiscent of defects observed in auxin transport mutants, suggesting that BOB may be involved in this important patterning pathway. We have also isolated BOB protein interactors and are currently characterizing the genetic interactions between these genes and BOB.
The lab is well equipped to investigate plant development using molecular genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry. Facilities in the lab and the department include a Leica SP5 confocal microscope, a fluorescence dissecting microscope, a four channel real time PCR machine, a newly upgraded greenhouse, plant growth chambers, and a full array of molecular biology equipment. Most of the research in the lab is conducted by Swarthmore undergraduates, and we are always looking for motivated new lab members.