People

Gary Muehlbauer
Professor & Endowed Chair in Molecular Genetics

Research & Education

[email protected]

• B.S. Biology – Washington State University
• M.S. Plant Breeding – University of Nebraska
• Ph.D. Plant Breeding – University of Minnesota

My position is focused on wheat and barley molecular genetics. One area of my research is directed towards Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat and barley. Another research area is focused on developing and integrating genomics resources into barley breeding programs. Other areas involve identifying genetic variation in wild barley for use in germplasm enhancement, and to genetically characterize a collection of barley tillering mutants.

Shane Heinen
Assistant Scientist

[email protected]

• B.S. Biology – Iowa State University

I manage and coordinate the laboratory research interests. My primary interests are in managing the field and greenhouse genetic stocks.

Catherine Springer
Assistant Scientist

[email protected]

• B.S. Cellular and Molecular Biology – University of Arizona

I manage, order, and organize the laboratory supplies for the Muehlbauer Lab.

Sean O Mara
Postdoctoral Research Associate

[email protected]

 am currently investigating the over-expression of fungal pathogen resistance mechanisms to fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum in wheat and barley, as well as how stacking multiple resistance mechanisms may aid in the intensity and reliability of resistance. I am also exploring novel genes which may act as sensitivity or resistance factors in a mutagenized population of wheat. This work aims to identify new genes which may involved in pathogen defense or which may cause plants to be more susceptible to infection. Finally, I am conducting a study which aims to visualize the infection stages of Fusarium graminearum on barley and analyze the corresponding barley gene expression patterns at those timepoints.

Gerit Bethke
Postdoctoral Research Associate

[email protected]

I am studying resistance in both wheat and barley to Fusarium head blight (FHB).  I will continue looking at disease resistance in wheat and barley to another fungal disease called Rust.

Joshua Havill
Postdoctoral Research Associate

[email protected]

My research is directed on understanding the genetic basis for powdery mildew resistance in wild Humulus lupulus. I am examining the genotypic and phenotypic diversity among wild H. lupulus populations and characterizing agro-morphological traits for the utility of hop improvements.