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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 in 2022 as an intern and is now pursuing her graduate studies within the group. Over the years, she has contributed to transformation experiments in several plant species, including lettuce, tomato, and chili, as well as tissue culture–based regeneration projects. Her responsibilities shift according to the needs of her research, reflecting her versatility and adaptability in the lab. Her current thesis focuses on developing an efficient transformation protocol and an indirect regeneration system for mature citrus rootstocks. You will often find her at the bench performing molecular techniques or at the laminar hood immersed in tissue culture work. Outside of the lab, Emily enjoys working on 1000-piece puzzles, working out, 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, who began her PhD journey in the Environmental Horticulture Department in Fall 2023. Outside of her academic pursuits, she finds joy in cooking traditional Indonesian meals, exploring new destinations, swimming, hiking, and getting lost in a good book. She's also a big fan of matcha lattes. Her research centers on ornamental plant breeding, with a focus on leveraging biotechnology. Specifically, she’s working on enhancing Marigold varieties by developing new traits that introduce unique flower colors and boost carotenoid content. Her work involves Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, investigating the genetic mechanisms behind carotenoid biosynthesis in different Marigold genotypes, and applying gene editing techniques to refine these traits.
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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