Autumn McLaughlin Passes Qualifying Exams
Congratulations to Autumn McLaughlin for passing her qualifying exams. Mclaughlin is advised by Dr. Heather Kelly.
Congratulations to Autumn McLaughlin for passing her qualifying exams. Mclaughlin is advised by Dr. Heather Kelly.
Shade Niece, a graduate student studying plant pathology, and mentor Marcin Nowicki, a research assistant professor within the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, were selected to receive the 2023 Student/Faculty Research Award by the UT Graduate School. The award will support Niece’s project, “Establishing the first whole mitochondrial genomes for Cornales.” Nowicki said, “This is a proud mentor moment. Congratulations, Shade!”
Abstract: Genome wide association studies, GWAS, are performed to determine potential associations between phenotypic (traits observed) data and genotypic (genome) data. Ipomoea batatas, sweetpotato, is a vital crop for combating both visible and invisible hunger, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the genetic diversity of the sweetpotato germplasm and the genetic architecture underlying agronomic traits is crucial to maintenance and utility of the genetic resources for the crop’s improvement. We will perform a GWAS study to determine potential genes and genomic features associated with traits of interest including disease and pest resistance traits, culinary traits, phytonutritional traits, and morphological traits. We intend to determine potential genes of interests and functional markers for breeding programs.