Meet the Team
Ph.D. Student
Fateh Ali Mahmud
Research Interests:
I am investigating SIP68, a UDP glucosyltransferase protein in plants, focusing on its involvement in plant immunity. SIP68 interacts with SABP2, a key component in salicylic acid signaling, known for its role in combating both biotic and abiotic stresses. By unraveling SIP68's mechanisms, I aim to unveil novel insights into plant defense mechanisms and internal communication. This understanding holds promise for enhancing crop protection against diseases and bolstering overall plant health.
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Email: mahmudf@etsu.edu
Master’s Graduate Student
Bikram Giri
Research Interests:
My research focuses on elucidating the function of the non-specific lipid transfer protein LTP12 within the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana, particularly in response to abiotic stress factors such as osmotic and saline conditions. By using the ltp12, Arabidopsis mutant my aim is to delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying environmental stress resilience.
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Email: girib1@etsu.edu
Master’s Graduate Student
Zahra Barati
Research Interests:
In my research, I focus on characterizing the role of the tobacco deacetylase enzyme SIP-428 in mediating environmental stress, particularly salinity and drought stress. SIP-428 interacts with salicylic acid-binding protein 2 (SABP2) in the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway, critical for plant immune signaling. Using transgenic tobacco plants that overexpress SIP-428, I am studying the role of SIP-428 in mediating abiotic stress. This investigation aims to identify the potential targets for enhancing stress tolerance in crops.
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Email: barati@etsu.edu
Undergraduate Honors Student
Cristiana Martinez
Research Interests:
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My name is Cristiana Martinez. I am studying the role of SIP-432, a premnaspirodiene oxygenase like enzyme for its role in stress responses. Currently, I am in the process of cloning the full-length SIP432 into and E.coli expression vector. Once cloned, I will attempt to express the recombinant SIP432 and characterize it biochemically. In the meanwhile, I am also studying the effect of different abiotic and biotic stressors on the expression of SIP432 cDNA. After graduating from ETSU, I hope to obtain a Ph.D. in molecular biology and research ways to bioengineer plants to synthesize therapeutics.
Undergraduate Honors Student
Sydney Walter
Research Interests:
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I am researching a homolog of the Tobacco gene SIP-428 in tomatoes. Our goals are to learn more about this gene and to see if it is similar to the Tobacco gene. As well as analyze it for protein coding and cloning . My goals for the future are to enter a biochemistry doctored program and study plant physiology.