Roots Lab

The overall research focus of the Roots Lab at Penn State is understanding the genetic, physiological, and ecological basis of plant adaptation to drought and low soil fertility.

Since most soils on earth suffer from drought and one or more nutritional problems, this subject is of considerable importance for two of the great challenges confronting humanity: how to sustainably support over 7 billion people, and how to deal with global environmental change. More about the Roots Lab ...

Our work involves a number of students and colleagues at Penn State, and collaborators from other institutions. Dr. Kathleen Brown and Dr. Jonathan Lynch are close collaborators on virtually all aspects of the research.