Support Staff
Technicians
- Andrea L. Blas, Biological Science Lab Technician, Plants
- Mindy L. Ehrenfried, Biological Science Lab Technician, Plants
- Marshall Elson, Biological Science Lab Technician, Plants
- Diane L. Fleck, Biological Science Lab Technician, Plants
- Karen M. Frazier, Biological Science Lab Technician, Plants
- Theresa Henderson, Biological Science Lab Technician, Plants
- Brian Moravec, Biological Science Lab Technician, Plants
- Frances Perez, Biological Science Lab Technician, Plants
- Cheryl Richardson, Biological Science Lab Technician, Plants
Isabelle Booij-James
- Working with Dr. Mattoo, Dr. Booij-James' research goal is to
understand the physiological aspect of photosynthesis. Using biochemical,
molecular and transgenic approaches, their research focuses on the metabolism
and post-translational modifications of the D1 protein, an essential component
of the electron transport chain. Dr. Booij-James is a Research Associate
supported by SCA between University of Maryland at College Park and BARC.
- Working with Dr. Mattoo, Dr. Goyal is conducting research to understand
the molecular mechanism by which polyamines influence fruit ripening. This
research utilizes transgenic tomatoes expressing yeast SAM decarboxylase
which allows the accumulation of polyamines during fruit ripening. The
role of polyamines in chilling tolerance is also being investigated using
transgenic fruits.
- Working with Dr. Mattoo, Dr. Karakas' research is focused on elucidating
the role of polyamines in plant development and involves promoter analysis,
gene deletions, in vivo/in vitro footprinting and transient gene expression.
Dr. Karakas is a research associate supported by SCA between University
of maryland at College Park and BARC. He received his doctoral degree
in December 2001 from University of Georgia, Athens, GA.
- Working with Dr. Mattoo, Dr. Kumar is conducting research to identify
critical genes involved in high tomato productivity through novel and sustainable
farming practices. The emphasis is to use molecular biology tools to isolate
and characterize the key genes involved.
- Working with
Dr. Mattoo, Dr. Neelam is conducting research
to understand the molecular basis of fruit ripening in tomato. They are utilizing molecular and
transgenic plant approaches to study the regulation of gene expression
and signaling mechanisms controlling the ripening process in tomato fruit.
- Dr. Ospina-Giraldo
works with Dr. Jones, conducting research on
the molecular basis of pathogenicity of the late
blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans. Recently,
he has cloned and characterized the glucose-6-phosphate isomerase gene (GPI)
and currently he is analyzing GPI’s potential role in P. infestans
virulence.
- Dr. Pak is a postdoctoral
research associate working with Dr. Mattoo.
Her research is focused on studying mechanisms that regulate uptake, transport
and storage of calcium, an important phytonutrient. She is using
protein engineering and molecular biology approaches to transform potato
tubers for enhanced calcium accumulation. Dr. Pak received her Ph.D.
from the Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department of Rutgers University.
- Dr. Simko is working with Dr.
Jones and Dr. Haynes to identify resistance
genes against late blight in potatoes. They are using the Resistance
Gene Analog (RGA) approach to detect polygenes involved in plant defense
against late blight.
Office Staff
- Janice Mack, Secretary
- Nancy McGaha, Office Automation Assistant
Presque Isle, Maine
- Bonnie Adams, Agricultural Research Technician
- Merle Bragg, Agricultural
Research Technician
- Karl DeLong, Agricultural Research Technician
- Charles Lagasse,
Agricultural Research Technician
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