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Alfred Huo (Ph.D)
Principal Investigator
Dr. Huo joined UF in early 2017. Currently, he is an Associate Professor at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center at the University of Florida. His current research focuses on development of biotechnology tools, particularly in improvement of genetic transformation in diverse plant species, and use various approaches including CRISPR genome editing, transposon mutagenesis, genomic sequencing to ornamental and specialty crops including snapdragons, begonia, marigold, and petunia for genetic improvement.
Current Lab Members
Matthew Creech
Biological Scientist
Matthew is the chief of this lab.He is in charge of chemical inventory, supplies purchasing, management of greenhouse and growth chambers, lab safety training, etc. He has years of experience in grape tissue culture and regeneration. He is a plant lover and trying to grow different exotic plants in the lab and in his own private nursery. He likes fishing, but not dozens of Koi fishes in his own pond.
Tao Jiang , Ph.D.
Post Doc
Tao Joined the lab in Spring 2020. Tao is focused on examining lettuce genetics and molecular breeding. Jiang’s research specifically focuses on using an integrated approach to understand the temperature effect on lettuce seed germination and flowering, dissecting molecular mechanisms underlying temperature response of lettuce during flower and seed germination, and leaf senescence of multiple plant species.
Chi Nguyen, Click here to see her personal page.
Post Doc
Current Research Activities: My research focuses on understanding the roles of AHG1/3 and microRNAs in the regulation of seed germination and flowering time in lettuce, aiming to unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying these pivotal stages in plant life. The project contributes to advancing our knowledge of lettuce biology, with potential applications for enhancing lettuce crop production.
Wisnu Handoyo
Ph.D. Student
Wisnu's current research focuses on breeding Begonias. He is developing a new cultivar that can withstand high temperatures and is less invasive due to its male sterility. To achieve this, Wisnu is combining traditional breeding methods with modern techniques. His is a hiking enthusiast who loves exploring trails and soaking in the beauty of nature. From blooming flowers to homegrown veggies, his garden is his sanctuary, and he is passionate about cultivating a variety of plants, especially Begonia.
Yeyen Novitasari
Ph.D. Student
Yeyen is an Indonesian student starting a PhD in the Environmental Horticulture Department in the fall of 2023. During her leisure time, Yeyen likes cooking Indonesian dishes and enjoys traveling to new places, swimming, hiking, and being immersed in reading a book. Also, she likes matcha lattes a lot.
She is interested in studying ornamental breeding using biotechnological approaches. Her project will focus on Marigold breeding to create new traits that are tolerant to heat stress. She mainly works on the Agrobacterium transformation of Marigold varieties, studying the molecular basis of heat tolerance in Marigold genotypes and Marigold gene editing.
Mohammed Kyum
Ph.D. Student Chair: Dr. Kevin Kenworthy
Mohammed is engaged in the development of a CRISPR-based gene editing system tailored for Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum). In addition, Mohammed is actively working on generating EMS mutants to confer herbicide tolerance within Bahiagrass. He is also spearheading a project aimed at enhancing seed germination rates in Bahiagrass. All of Mohammed's research efforts are exclusively dedicated to Bahiagrass, with a primary focus on elevating its aesthetic qualities to position it as a sustainable alternative for the Southeastern United States. Mohammed is big fan of American Football (NFL), his favorite team is Kansas City Chiefs because of their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
Fangchen Liu
Ph.D. Student
Fangchen's current research revolves around flower colors in petunias and marigolds. She will attempt to manipulate the expressions of certain genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway and carotenoid biosynthesis pathway, with the hope of getting some ideas about the generation of novel flower colors and some compounds that can benefit human health. Beyond her research, She loves hiking in the mountains, which brings her peace and connects her with nature. During her free time, she likes to knit or crochet while watching movies.
She has a lovely Ragdoll cat back home in her country, who always provides her with a lot of emotional support.
Nabeel Shaheen
Ph.D. student
Nabeel Shaheen Joined the lab in the Spring of 2024. He completed his Master degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics from University of Agriculture Faisalabad.
He was a biotechnology specialist in Seed center and plant Genetic resource bank, ministry of water environment and agriculture, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia before he joined UF. His current research project is to use genetic and genomic tools to identify causal mutation(s) underlying the drought tolerance of a snapdragon mutant.
Keila (Emily) Rodriguez
Master Student
Emily joined the lab as an intern in 2022. She is now a graduate student in the lab. She is assisting with the transformations of various species (Lettuce, tomato, chili, and etc.) and regeneration (via tissue culture). Her work varies depending on her project needs. Her current research thesis is to develop transgene-free gene editing in citrus root stocks. You can find her in the lab performing molecular techniques or in the greenhouse collecting data. Outside of the lab, Emily enjoys working on 1000-piece puzzles, going to the gym, meal prepping, and road trips. All hobbies she finds therapeutic.
Sameena Ejaz Tanwir
Research Assistant
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