Principal Investigator>  Dr. Chen is a plant biologist and joined ASU in 2021. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of DNA break repair, homologous recombination, genome organization and evolution. Chen also develops novel vegetable varieties for short-season locations and space farming. Prior to ASU, he was an associate professor at the University of Minnesota. Email: cchen347@asu.edu

Assistant Research Scientist> Dr. Shah joined Arizona State University in 2024 as a Postdoctoral Scholar and later assumed the role of Assistant Research Scientist, where he studies the molecular and cytogenetic mechanisms underlying meiosis and genome evolution in plants. His research focuses on the roles of key meiotic proteins, including ZYP1 and ASY1, in regulating homologous chromosome pairing, synapsis, and recombination in maize. In parallel, he investigates genome evolution in the grass species Zingeria biebersteiniana, integrating cytogenetics, genomics, and computational approaches to understand how genome structure and chromosome behavior shape plant diversity.  Email: sshah246@asu.edu

Soumya is a PhD student in the Molecular and Cellular Biology Program. Her research focuses on how maize responds to DNA damage caused by environmental stressors, including high UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and drought. She also serves as a Program Aide at the University of Arizona Extension’s Center for Urban Smart Agriculture.  Email: sbollam5@asu.edu

Andrew is a graduate student in the Plant Biology & Conservation Program. His research focuses on developing Zingeria biebersteiniana as a model system for genetics research and classroom teaching. Andrew is also a high-school teacher. From here you can learn more about Andrew. Email: acentann@asu.edu

Dalila is a graduate student (4+1) in the Biology Program. Her research focuses on the role of Arabidopsis  Triple-T protein complex in seed development with/without UV treatment.  Email: dkcarmon@asu.edu

Mia Copeland is an undergraduate student in the Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology Program. Her research focused on the immunolabeling of meiocytes to localize meiotic proteins associated with crossover sites during homologous recombination in Zingeria biebersteiniana.  

Email: macopel1@asu.edu