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Eric PattersonPrincipal InvestigatorAssistant 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
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS
SARA ÁLVAREZ RODRÍGUEZ
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Degree
B.S University of Vigo (Spain), Biology M.S University of Vigo (Spain), Advanced Biotechnology Ph.D. University of Vigo (Spain), Plant Physiology Biography I come from Galicia, a region in northwestern Spain. I completed my PhD at the University of Vigo, focusing on the mode of action of two natural compounds with phytotoxic potential: azelaic acid and harmaline. Through a combination of morphological, physiological, and molecular analyses - such as germination and growth assays, optical and electron microscopy, hormonal analysis, metabolomics, and ionomics - I investigated the impact of these molecules on plant metabolism. My work aims to contribute to the development of more effective and environmentally friendly weed management strategies. I am in my first year as a postdoctoral researcher in Eric's group, eager to expand my knowledge in weed genomics. I look forward to creating a synergy between my expertise and the knowledge this lab has to offer. Outside of work, I love exploring new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends. |
Ph.D. STUDENTS
MICHAEL OZOLINS
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Degree
B.S. Michigan State University (USA), Horticulture M.S Michigan State University (USA), Crop and Soil Science Biography I'm a second-year master in crop and soil science. My focus is cuticle development and drought stress in conyza. I’m currently using transcriptomics and GCMS to understand how the fatty acids profile changes in response to drought stress. Additionally, I’m working on pea seed development. Outside of the lab, I enjoy insect collecting and volunteering at the MSU insect collection identifying Hymenoptera. |
JOHN LEMAS
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Degree
B.S Arizona State University, Geography M.S. Colorado State University, Weed Science Biography I am originally from the Sierra Nevada mountains in Central California. I completed my BS work as a remote student at Arizona State University with support from the Starbucks College Achievement Plan. I have been passionate about pursuing a scientific field that can truly make a difference, and I knew that I had discovered that in plant sciences. My research focused on the weed Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) and aimed to build insights into its ability to survive harsh environmental conditions. I mainly focused on transcriptomics and comparative genomics to better understand genetic mechanisms of abiotic stress tolerance in this species. My work aims to better understand genomic and epigenetic mechanisms that may increase genetic diversity and adaptation to stressful environments. Through this work we hope to better inform control strategies for troublesome weeds such as kochia (Bassia scoparia) and Russian thistle, and impart genomic insights to breeders for increased adaptivity in crop cultivars. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my wife and dogs, exercising, going for long motorcycle rides, working on my vintage Honda, and camping. |
MOHIT MAHEY
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Degree
B.S. Punjab Agricultural University (India), Agriculture Biography I am a phd student in crop and soil sciences. My research is mostly focused on the site of action of herbicide 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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Degree
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. |
LAB COLLABORATORS
CONNOR PURVIS
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Degree
B.S. Francis Marion University, Biology Biography I’m originally from South Carolina, where I earned my B.S. in Biology with an environmental focus. I'm currently a third-year Ph.D. candidate studying Sorghum halepense (johnsongrass), my model weedy species. My research explores three key aspects of its invasiveness: (1) uncovering the mechanisms behind resistance to multiple herbicide modes of action, (2) investigating crop-to-weed introgression between johnsongrass and its cultivated relative, Sorghum bicolor, and (3) exploring how soil microbial communities can be leveraged for weed suppression. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, hiking, and trying new food and drinks. |
VISITING SCHOLARS
FILIZ ERBAS
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Degree
B.S. Aydin Adnan Menderes University (Turkiye), Plant Protection M.S. Aydin Adnan Menderes University (Turkiye), Plant Protection Ph.D. Aydin Adnan Menderes University (Turkiye), Plant Protection Biography After working in many institutions related to agriculture for 20 years, I have been working as an assistant professor in the weed science laboratory of Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Department of Plant Protection for the last 5 years. During the course of my master's degree, I conducted research on the weed control in strawberry fields. The focus of my doctoral research was the identification and characterization of terrestrial weeds that proliferate and disperse through irrigation channels. The opportunity to function as a visiting scholar in this laboratory was made possible by a project that I submitted to Fulbright concerning a weed known as Amaranthus palmeri, which has become a problem in Turkiye. Despite the challenges posed by this weed, I habour a strong affection for it, as it is precisely this weed that facilitated my presence in this location. Eric's laboratory provided me with the opportunity to acquire knowledge in the field of molecular biology that I had never previously studied. I am here for a brief period (I wish I could stay longer), during which I will be working on herbicide resistance and population genetics in Amaranthus palmeri. In my leisure time, I enjoy baking for my family and friends, playing the violin and exploring new places. |
SAHAR MALKA
- Degree
B.Sc. Hebrew university of Jerusalem, Plant biology
M.Sc. Hebrew university of Jerusalem, Field crop and vegetables, weed science
Ph.D. student. Haifa University, Evolutionary biology, weed science - Biography
I am a visiting scholar from Israel, currently completing my Ph.D. research on Parthenium hysterophorus—a noxious weed and invasive species in the Israeli flora. My work focuses on the plant’s phonologic and genetic variation, and I am now in the final stages of my dissertation, which explores the phonologic and genomic diversity among P. hysterophorus populations. During my stay, I will work on the assembly of the P. hysterophorus reference genome.
EMMY SAARNIO
Biography
I’m currently a third year at Oberlin College, double majoring in Mathematics and Biology. As a part of MSU’s Plant Genomics REU, I’m diving into a 10-week research project investigating herbicide resistance in common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) from multiple perspectives. I’m primarily working on assembling the genome of a weedy variety of common ragweed, but I’m also assisting with other lab projects on clopyralid and PPO herbicide resistance in the same species. While I’ve previously done research in mathematical knot theory and urban transportation planning, this is my first biology research opportunity and I’ve already been learning so much—both in computational techniques and wet lab skills. When I’m back home in the San Francisco Bay Area, I love baking tea-flavored cheesecakes, solving linguistics puzzles, and climbing the pine tree in my backyard.
I’m currently a third year at Oberlin College, double majoring in Mathematics and Biology. As a part of MSU’s Plant Genomics REU, I’m diving into a 10-week research project investigating herbicide resistance in common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) from multiple perspectives. I’m primarily working on assembling the genome of a weedy variety of common ragweed, but I’m also assisting with other lab projects on clopyralid and PPO herbicide resistance in the same species. While I’ve previously done research in mathematical knot theory and urban transportation planning, this is my first biology research opportunity and I’ve already been learning so much—both in computational techniques and wet lab skills. When I’m back home in the San Francisco Bay Area, I love baking tea-flavored cheesecakes, solving linguistics puzzles, and climbing the pine tree in my backyard.
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN
JAN MICHAEL
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
HIEN LE |
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Degree
B.S Degree in Biochemistry / Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Biography My name is Hien! I recently graduated from Michigan State University, majoring in Biochemistry and Microbiology. My primary objectives in the lab are to prepare plant samples and maintain the lab and greenhouse. I am also investigating the relationship between the Aldo-keto reductases in horseweed and glyphosate resistance. Outside of the lab, I enjoy jogging, photography, and drawing. |
LAB ALUMINI
JINYI CHEN
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RACHEL HADVINA
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NATHAN HALL
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KIRA FALASCHI
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SARAH HOLMES
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CARLY CLAUCHERTY
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JESSICA MATHESON
ALEJANDRA SAAVEDRA ROJAS
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SEBASTIAN LEE
LUAN CUTTI
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AHMET SERIM
EDUARDO CARLOS RÜDELL
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RACHEL HALL
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JULIANO SULZBACK
EDNALDO A. BORGATO |
REBECKA DUECKER
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