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Cellular pathways that influence PLANT-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS
Cellular pathways that influence PLANT-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS
Research in plant science is necessary to combat modern global challenges pertaining to changes in climate, agriculture, and energy use. Our current understanding of plant form and function is limited by the lack of functional knowledge of substantial proportions of plant genomes and comprehensive answers to questions regarding the cellular mechanisms and dynamics pertaining to plant development and interaction with environment.
My group's research interests center around characterization of cellular mechanisms that modulate plant development, adaptability, and resilience, in response to abiotic stress (Figure 1), with the following big picture question:
What are the factors that drive the integration of cell-based information to modulate organismal response in the face of environmental variations?
CURRENT PROJECTS:
Regulation of abiotic stress response in plants through retromer-dependent pathways.
Role of candidate plasmodesmata proteins with intrinsically disordered regions in regulating plant development.
Characterization of the genetic/molecular basis of an intrinsically disordered, glycine-rich protein in cell elongation and flowering.
Plants and Society
Plants and Society
Project #1: From Pope's favorite to American infamy: Introduction of Black Mustard in California and its Rise as the Enduring Invasive
(in prep - for submission to Plant Perspective)
Abstract: The introduction of black mustard into California is closely tied to the Spanish colonial period, particularly the activities of Junipero Serra (1713–1784), a Catholic missionary who traveled extensively along the Californian coast. According to popular lore, Serra spread black mustard seeds deliberately so that their bright yellow flowers would mark his route on subsequent journeys (citation). Serra and his contemporaries established eight of the 21 Spanish missions in California, and their efforts facilitated the introduction of black mustard into the region’s ecology during the late eighteenth century. This intentional introduction initiated a significant transformation in the local flora. This paper examines the historical introduction of black mustard, the factors contributing to its spread, and its ecological impact as a highly invasive species in California. Particular attention is given to the connection between Spanish missions and black mustard’s distribution, as well as its consequences for native plant communities and ecosystem dynamics.
Project #2: Nature’s Remedy, Empire’s Tool: Cinchona and Colonial Medicine
(in prep - abstract accepted for panel presentation, titled The Travelling Medicine Bag at Decolonization and Global Justice Conference, University of Oregon, Jan 2026.)
Abstract: Human beings depend on plants for the most foundational aspects of sustenance. However, despite being the mainstay of every primary driver of the Anthropocene, an extensive human urge of exploration and self-centeredness has led to sustained exploitation of plants. This paper describes how plants were used during the period of Western Colonialism, and how it is interwoven with the exploitation of human and natural resources, then and now.
Cinchona has historically been instrumental for its medicinal value, as the bark produces Quinine and other alkaloids. Native American and Peruvian healers used this plant for treating ailments and called it “Fever tree”. Naturally sourced Quinine was the only effective treatment known of Malaria until the mid-20th century – which made cultivation of Cinchona trees and alkaloid extraction a highly coveted endeavor of the settlers. Consequently, large-scale plantations of Cinchona, in Latin America as well as in India and Sri Lanka during colonial period, are among the major drivers in the shift in land use and depreciation of the vitality and survival of this plant species. Centering on Cinchona, this paper reconsiders the historical relationships between plants and people, the colonial legacy of medicinal plant use, and the ecological and ethical imperatives for more sustainable and respectful plant-human futures.
Cinchona officinalis
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