Eric Patterson

Principal Investigator

Assistant professor
Weed Geneticist

Degrees
B.S. Colorado State University, Evolutionary Biology
M.S. Colorado State University, Botany
Ph.D. Colorado State University, Bioagricultural Sciences, Weed Science

Biography
Dr. Patterson's  research program utilizes the most current techniques in genomics to understand the structure and plasticity of weedy genomes and how that plasticity influences the success of weedy species.  He is especially interested in how genome rearrangements (i.e. transposable elements and copy number variation) form and are utilized as novel sources of genetic variation for weed adaptation to abiotic stresses. He also works on herbicides and how they affect plant physiology and how resistance evolves on rapid timescales in weedy species.

Meet Our Team

POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

LUAN CUTTI

Degree
B.S. Federal University of Santa Maria (Brazil), Agronomy
M.S. Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), Weed Science
Ph. D. Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), Weed Science

Biography
Hello! I am a Postdoctoral at Patterson's Lab, working in partnership with  International Weed Genomics Consortium. I got my Ph.D. in Weed Science at Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), supervised by Dr. Aldo Merotto. During my last Ph.D. year, I was Research Scholar at Colorado State University, supervised by Dr. Todd Gaines. My dissertation title was: "Genetic and molecular characterization of barnyardgrass resistant to florpyrauxifen-benzyl and introgression of transgenic glyphosate resistance from corn to teosinte". I have large experience researching weeds, performing large screenings, field trials, and applying molecular biology to investigate herbicide resistance mechanisms.
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EDNALDO A. BORGATO

Degree
B.S University of Sao Paulo (Brazil), Agronomy
M.S. University of Sao Paulo (Brazil), Weed Science
Ph. D. Kansas State University (Kansas), Weed Science

Biography
​I’m from the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and found my passion for weed science in college. I am interested in combining basic and applied research to answer meaningful questions about weeds. I’m working under Dr. Patterson and Dr. Burns, investigating EPSPS gene amplification in Italian ryegrass, and population dynamics in troublesome species in Michigan. Outside of work, I do CrossFit, I like cooking for friends, and playing adventure games on my Nintendo Switch.
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AHMET SERIM

Degree
B.S. Ankara University (Turkey), Plant Protection 
M.S Ankara University (Turkey), Weed Science
Ph. D. Ankara University (Turkey), Weed Science 
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Biography
​I am a Postdoc researcher at Patterson's Lab. I got my PhD in Weed Science at Ankara University (Turkey), supervised by Dr. Salih Maden. My M.Sc. thesis was about germination biology of oriental larkspur. Ph.D. thesis was about carryover impact of sulfonylurea herbicides on sunflower varieties under drought condition. I am working with Dr. Patterson on the relationship between herbicide resistance and drought stress. Outside of the lab, I like spending time in the kitchen, reading about linguistic and cultural topics, and watching documentaries.

GRADUATE STUDENTS

MASTER'S STUDENTS

JULIANO SULZBACK

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Degree
B.S. University of São Paulo (Brazil), Agronomy

Biography
Hello! I am a first-year Masters student in the department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Science and my research is focused on early diagnostics for herbicide resistance in invasive species. Additionally, as another ramification of my research, I am interested in the epidemiology of weed species that developed resistance through the years, specifically in Conyza canadensis. In order to achieve my research goals, I am both using a molecular diagnostic technique which provides valuable insights for the farmers in a timely manner; and building dose-response curves to confirm our main hypothesis. I love being part of Patterson's lab because I feel I have a lot of synergy with my advisor and lab mates, which only makes me feel comfortable to be part of such a meaningful work environment. Outside of the lab, I love to spend time with my daughters, 2 ,15-pound-cats named Nina and Lili, to play basketball and soccer, to listen to classic rock and bossa nova, and to watch TV shows.

Ph.D. STUDENTS

MOHIT MAHEY

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Degree
B.S. Punjab Agricultural University (India), Agriculture
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Biography
I am a first-year Masters student in crop and soil sciences. My research is mostly focused on the site of action of  herbicide particularly Indaziflam. I am using various molecular and biotechnology techniques to answer this questions. I also use conventional  fluorescence microscopy and confocal microscopy to further solve the mystery of my project. I am focusing on basic biology questions as well as its applied aspects. I feel fortunate to be a part of Patterson's lab, with great P.I. and awesome lab members and all the skills and mentorship I am receiving :). I graduated with B.S. in Agriculture from Punjab Agricultural University, India in august 2021. Being brought up in a village, I always like visiting farms, and just going on a walk. When i am not in lab or on microscope, I like to go on a long walk, gym or a hike. I am also a big supporter of lazy weekends, so I also like to sleep in my free time. ​​

NICK JOHNSON

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Degrees
A.A. Normandale Community College, Liberal Arts
B.S. University of Minnesota (Twin Cities), Plant Science (Breeding & Genetics)

Biography
Hello! I'm a third-year Ph.D. candidate dual majoring in Genetics and Genome Sciences and Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior and fellow of the NRT IMPACTS and a PBHS programs. I'm currently using comparative genomics to find patterns of weediness and deep learning approaches to model gene regulation. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, biking, piano, guitar, and traveling.

VISITING SCHOLAR

ALEJANDRA SAAVEDRA ROJAS

Degrees
B. DINAE University (Colombia), Police Management 
B.Eng. UNAD University (Colombia), Environmental Engineering 
M.Sc. Monash University (Australia), Environment and Sustainability 

​Biography
I’m a Police Officer and a Ph.D. candidate pursuing a Doctorate degree in Agricultural Sciences at the University of La Salle in Colombia. My research is centered around enhancing the control of illegal coca crops through a comprehensive genetic and epigenetic analysis of Colombian coca plants. It's an endeavor that holds immense significance in our ongoing efforts. I’ve received a prestigious Fulbright scholarship, which has opened the doors to an internship opportunity at Michigan State University. Here, my focus is on delving into the coca plant genome and structural variations.  Apart from my lab work, I like to spend my time jogging, hiking and enjoying natural landscapes.

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN

JAN MICHAEL

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT

RACHEL HALL

Hello! I am a second year undergraduate student here at MSU. My major is biochemistry/biotechnology with a minor in agronomy. I joined the lab to gain experience early on and help build connections that will be needed later on in my journey. I hope to eventually work on a biofuel to replace fossil fuels but for now I am learning the basics. Outside of the lab I go to the gym, I read books, play video games, watch copious amounts of anime and hang out with friends.
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LAB ALUMINI

JINYI CHEN

RACHEL HADVINA

NATHAN HALL

KIRA FALASCHI

SARAH HOLMES

CARLY CLAUCHERTY (she/her/hers)

​MICHAEL OZOLINS