Our lab explores how plants sense and adapt to their surrounding environment, with a particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms driving phenotypic plasticity. We investigate plant responses to environmental cues such as shading from neighbors, temperature fluctuations, and variations in water and nutrient availability. In high-density agricultural settings, these factors can significantly impact plant productivity, making adaptive responses crucial. We focus on elucidating the receptors, downstream signaling pathways, and the dynamics and function of biomolecular condensates within these pathways.

We have made significant strides in characterizing the spatial and temporal dynamics of these signaling pathways. Notably, we identified phytochrome B as the first known temperature sensor in plants. Our research has also shed light on how plants interpret neighbor signals to modulate growth, photosynthesis, water usage, and even kin recognition. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how plants optimize their form and function in complex field environments.