Current Postdoctoral Research Associates include:
Dr. Eunju Cheong
Geneticist
e-mail: Eunju.Cheong@ars.usda.gov
Supported the shrub breeding unit [March 2001 - May 2006] by establishing in vitro organogenesis, embryogenesis and transformation systems of target plants and performed conventional breeding to develop non-invasive nursery crops as part of an SCA. Coordinated transformation experiments of Prunus species and maintained the tissue culture facility at the Arboretum. Dr Cheong also worked on characterization of the origin of Prunus yedoensis using ISSR and single nucleotide polymorphisms, as a volunteer with the WLPGR project.
Dr. Keri Jones
Geneticist
e-mail: Keri.Jones@ars.usda.gov
Supports the plant breeding program at the McMinnville worksite by conducting wide hybridization studies in Hydrangea and Cornus. Uses embryo rescue as needed to secure hybrids. Verifies and characterizes hybrids with molecular and cytological techniques.
Dr. Hongmei Ma
Geneticist
e-mail: Hongmei.Ma@ars.usda.gov
Supports the shrub breeding unit by investigating the genetic relationship of flowering cherries using molecular markers (SSR). Establishes transient gene expression system to evaluate expression of promoters and reporter genes in various constructs. Studies the genetic regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis for possible development of new foliage pigmentation in woody plants.
Other previous recent PostDocs included:
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Mr. Ron Beck
Horticulturist
e-mail: Ron.Beck@ars.usda.gov
Supports research on somatic cell genetics and on the expression of
foreign and novel genes in transgenic plants. Coordinates experiments designed
to obtain viable seedlings through embryo rescue. Maintains, operates,
and coordinates use of laboratory confocal microscope.
Ms. Susan E. Bentz
Horticulturist
e-mail: Susan.Bentz@ars.usda.gov
Hybridizes and evaluates hemlock species for resistance to wooly adelgid.
Develops techniques for propagating superior selections of disease and
insect-resistant trees. Manages national tree distribution and evaluation
program.
Ms. Margaret Brannigan-Dienelt
Plant Pathologist
e-mail: Peggy.Dienelt@ars.usda.gov
Investigates cytology of viral, bacterial, mycoplasma and nutritionally-induced
plant diseases using light and electron microscopy. Studies pathogen relationships
and host infection processes to develop improved methods of disease diagnosis
and control. Incorporates new technology to digitize, analyze and process
microscopic images.
Mr. Mike Cagley
Botanist
e-mail: Mike.Cagley@ars.usda.gov
Oversees the National Arboretum herbarium: collects
and identifies plants, ensures that research material and living germplasm collections are
represented by specimens in the herbarium, maintains and adds to the specimen database, and
trains and assists Herbarium volunteers.
Ms. Mary Ann Guaragna
Plant Pathologist
e-mail: MaryAnn.Guaragna@ars.usda.gov
Supports research on investigations on the biochemical and serological
nature of plant viruses, their genomes and gene products. Coordinates and
performs recombinant DNA-related experiments, including the expression
of viral or anti-viral genes in transgenic plants. Maintains, operates,
and coordinates use of laboratory DNA sequencer and genetic analyzer instrument.
Mr. David Kidwell-Slak
Horticulturist
e-mail: David.Kidwell-Slak@ars.usda.gov
Oversees greenhouse/polyhouse complex for shrub research group; investigates
propagation methodologies; evaluates germplasm; conducts hybridization
studies in the family Hamamelidaceae. International Registrar for Viburnum.
Mr. Martin Scanlon
Agriculture Science Research Technician
e-mail: Martin.Scanlon@ars.usda.gov
Oversees production, planting, maintenance and distribution of the woody landscape
plants germplasm repository. Investigates propagation methodologies. Responsible for data
entry and maintenance of records in the Germplasm Resources Information Network {GRIN}.
Dr. Robert Webster
Botanist
e-mail: robert.d.webster@ars.usda.gov
Oversees projects to enhance the herbarium database and extend its
capabilities; develops new or enhanced herbarium resources; curates and expands the herbarium collection
of grasses, and investigates the nomenclature of ornamental grasses.
Mr. Zheng-Lian Xia
Botanist
e-mail: zheng-lian.xia@ars.usda.gov
Oversees genetic laboratory work for the taxonomy program,
obtains comparative genetic marker profiles for estimating parentage of plants and genetic similarity
of populations, and obtains DNA sequences for inferring relationships among tree species and accessions.
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Last Updated May 6, 2008 2:43 PM
URL = http://www.usna.usda.gov/Research/postdoc&.html