Achievement

IGERT student Timothy Jobe's research is focused on understanding the genetic basis of heavy metal detoxification and tolerance in plants. Heavy metal contamination of soils is a growing challenge due to the extensive use of toxic metals in agricultural pesticides, batteries, and other electronic equipment. Tim is working to understand early transcriptional regulation of heavy metal detoxification and transport pathways. By working in Schroeder, Kay and Komives laboratories Tim has developed powerful systems biological approaches that are showing how plants respond to and accumulate heavy metals which can contribute to future remediation purposes. His current work with the Kay lab is uncovering the transcriptional network behind cadmium tolerance. His collaborative research with the Komives laboratory has led to a paradigm shift in our understanding of cadmium signaling in plants.