We use crop wild relatives as our study systems to understand the molecular, cellular, and evolutionary basis of adaptation to changing environments. By integrating multi-omics, single-cell biology, genetics, and evolutionary approaches, we seek to translate discoveries from natural systems into new strategies for developing more resilient crops and advancing sustainable agriculture and food security.
STUDY SYSTEMS
Wild Soybean (Glycine soja)
Wild Sand Bean (Strophostyles helvola)
Picture credit to Dr. Jenny Xiang, Dr. Yan Luo, and Dr. Bao-Hua Song
RESEARCH THEMES
Stress Resilience in Wild Soybean
Coastal Adaptation in Sand Bean
Natural Variation and Evolution of Phytochemical Diversity
From Wild Diversity to Resilient Crops
We are grateful to NSF, NIH, NCBC, and UNC Charlotte for their generous support of our research, student training, and scientific outreach.