Functional Genetics of Sunflower and Monkeyflower
Benjamin Blackman, Professor
Plant and Microbial Biology
Closed. This professor is continuing with Spring 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Fall 2024.
In order to test the function of specific genes or the impact of genetic variants on phenotype, genetic manipulation is required. The aim of the project is to assist with development and implementation of methods for genetic transformation of sunflower and monkeyflower, the two main study systems in the lab. These methods will help extend the lab's capabilities and in doing so allow us to study our traits of interest (flowering time regulation, solar tracking, floral pigmentation) with a greater level of mechanistic understanding and rigor.
Role: The undergraduate will learn sterile technique and methods for plant tissue culture in the process of implementing and troubleshooting genetic transformation methods for sunflower and monkeyflower. Specific tasks may include media preparation; transgene development; preparation of bacterial cultures; preparation, selection, and culture of plant explants; nucleic acid extraction; and genotyping of transformed or edit-carrying plants. The student is invited to participate in weekly Blackman lab group meetings as well.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Ryan Nasti, Post-Doc
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Biological & Health Sciences