Jenna Reeger

Jenna Reeger

  • Ph.D. Candidate, Plant Biology

Education

  • Ph.D. candidate, Plant Biology, The Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Penn State University
  • B.A. Chemistry, B.A. Botany, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH

Research

I investigate root traits that have the potential to confer drought tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa). I focus on anatomical root traits, such as aerenchyma area, that may decrease metabolic costs of root growth or have other benefits to rice under drought stress. I test the utility of these traits using both greenhouse and field studies.

I also study the genetic controls of anatomical root traits in rice using genome wide association study (GWAS) data obtained by previous lab members and collaborators. Through this work I aim to identify candidate genes for root anatomical traits of interest and test their validity.

Advisor: Kathleen Brown