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Current Lab Members
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.
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.
Chi Nguyen
Post Doc
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.
Tao Jiang
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.
Sameena Ejaz Tanwir
Post Doc/ Research Assistant
Sameena Ejaz TanwirPost Doc Sameena joined the lab Spring 2024, but has been with the University of Florida for many years. She holds a PhD in Molecular Virology. Sameena has a lot of knowledge in many areas of cutting edge scientific research, which is why she spends most of the time collaborating with other lab members. Her current study focuses on gene editing Periwinkle using protoplast techniques. Sameena enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the culinary arts through cooking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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