Achievement

An IGERT student Jared Sewell is interested in utilizing multidisciplinary approaches to better understand and define the molecular mechanisms involved in stem cell regulation and tissue patterning during plant development. Although previous research has identified some of the factors involved in these processes, little is known about the regulatory networks and molecular mechanisms that are active during these patterning events. By combining genetics along with next generation sequencing (RNA-seq and ChIP-seq), Jared has been able to associate regulatory pathways within the context of stem cell differentiation and leaf patterning. By increasing our understanding of these specific pathways, it may one day be possible to manipulate key components which in turn may lead to increased crop yield. Throughout his research, he has learned how to analyze next generation sequencing to answer fundamental development questions. This research would not be possible without the IGERT support.