Last Updated on September 18, 2024 by Stella Canfield
2024 National Postdoc Appreciation Week is Sept. 16 – 20, and the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) is proud to celebrate its postdoctoral researchers. This spotlight series will showcase some of our postdoctoral researchers, including their contributions and the role they play in advancing research at MREC.
Postdoctoral Researcher Tao Jiang
Meet Tao Jiang, a postdoctoral researcher at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) who works under environmental horticulture Associate Professor Alfred Huo. Jiang holds his doctorate in plant molecular biology from Auburn University and specializes in plant regeneration, particularly the roles of miR156 and SPL, genes that regulate plant development and growth. At MREC, Jiang’s research focuses on lettuce genetics and molecular breeding, using an integrated approach to study the effect of temperature on lettuce seed germination and flowering and the molecular mechanisms underlying these responses.
Hometown: Jiangsu, China
Faculty Adviser: Associate Professor Alfred Huo
Q. What led you to pursue a postdoc at MREC? What is your area of expertise, and how did you become interested in it?
A. My academic journey has taken me through several institutions, but my core interest in plant regeneration, particularly the role of miR156 and SPL genes, solidified during my doctoral program at Auburn University. MREC presented an incredible opportunity to continue this research in a world-class setting. I was drawn to MREC because of its focus on horticultural innovation and its calm, focused research environment. My expertise lies in plant molecular biology, plant technology, genetics, and genomics, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and RNA-seq, which naturally led me to explore novel approaches to crop improvement.
Q. What research projects are you currently working on at MREC? Could you give us an overview of your work?
A. At MREC, I am engaged in several key projects. One major focus is the miR156-SPL regulatory network in lettuce regeneration, where we explore how miR156 regulates auxin transport to promote root regeneration. Additionally, I am studying the synergistic effects of plant developmental regulators (DR) in cross-species plant regeneration and transformation, the miR164-NACs-SGR1 pathway in leaf senescence, and the DA1-EOD1 pathway in regulating organ size and post-harvest processes. In collaboration with Dr. Huo, we are also investigating several other molecular mechanisms underlying plant development and stress responses.
Q. How has your experience at MREC helped you grow as a researcher? Are there specific mentors or collaborators who have influenced your work?
A. MREC has been an incredible growth experience. Dr. Huo has been an invaluable mentor, offering guidance not only in scientific research but also in my professional development. I’ve had the opportunity to mentor students and collaborate with other researchers, which has enhanced my teaching and research skills. The collaborative environment has truly prepared me for future leadership roles in academia.
Q. Looking ahead, what are your future career goals? How has your time at MREC prepared you for the next steps in your career?
A. I plan to transition into an assistant professor role in plant technology and genomics. My goal is to establish my own research program in plant regeneration and genomics. The collaborative culture at MREC, combined with the mentorship I’ve received, has equipped me with the leadership skills and research experience necessary for this next step. I’m excited to expand my work on ornamental and crop plant improvement, particularly through molecular breeding.
Q. What do you love the most about MREC?
A. What I love most about MREC is the quiet, focused research environment, coupled with a highly supportive atmosphere. It’s not just a place for research; it’s a place where ideas and innovations thrive. The diverse expertise at MREC fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, which has greatly enriched my own research.
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