BIOCHEMISTRY

Jon Mayers
B.S. University of Minnesota-Duluth
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison (Biochemistry)
NIH Postdoctoral Fellow

I use a multidisciplinary approach, leveraging microscopy, genetics, and biochemistry techniques to answer fundamental questions in plant cell biology. Specifically, my work focuses on understanding the role of the SCD complex in membrane trafficking and cytokinesis. Through my work, we have discovered that SCD1 and SCD2 form a protein complex that functions in exocytosis through downstream interactions with RabE1 and the exocyst. This work sheds new light on exocytic vesicle trafficking and provides a mechanism for regulated exocytosis in plants.

mayers@wisc.edu

My work focuses on understanding the proteins that mediates clathrin coated vesicular trafficking in Arabidopsis through proteomic characterization of the vesicles. Outside of lab I enjoy spending my days outdoors in nature camping, backpacking, fishing, etc. Whenever possible I spend nights observing the stars, cultivating an amateur astronomy hobby.

gdreynolds@wisc.edu

My work focuses on understanding the role of a pythohormone in proper cell division and expansion in plants. Outside of lab I like to play volleyball, hike, and do other outdoors activities.

jjcardenas@wisc.edu

My work focuses on studying an evolutionarily conserved chaperone-like  AAA ATPase, AtCDC48, and its interaction with a potential regulator, PUX1. My aim is to elucidate the mechanism of AtCDC48 disassembly induced by PUX1 as well as to determine the extent to which PUX1-mediated disassembly is involved in AtCDC48 turnover. When I’m not in lab, I’m baking (for the lab), cooking (mostly for me), and reading.

corteshernan@wisc.edu

jcheung2@wisc.edu

qrui3@wisc.edu

Genevieve Hoopes
Senior, Biochemistry

I currently work on two projects: 1) mapping a second site suppressor mutation in Arabidopsis and 2) assessing the interaction of two nucleating proteins during cytokinesis in Arabidopsis. In my free time I like to go for walks along the lakeshore path, read, and hang out with friends.

ghoopes@wisc.edu

Logan, Wright
Sophomore, Biochemistry

Past lab members

Gary Baisa
Year-2015
Current position:

Colleen M. McMichael
Year-year
Current position:

Stevem L. Backues
Year-year
Current position: Postdoc, Kilonsky Lab, University of Michigan

Dave Rancour
Year-year
Current position: Research Molecular Biologist, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center

Lisa M. Koch
Year-year
Current position; Technician, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center

Soohkee Park
Year-year
Current position: Postdoct, Mike Sheet Lab, UW-Madison

Catherine A. Konopka
Year-year
Current position: Postdoc, Gardner Lab, University of Washington