Basic plant science

• Functional genomics using Arabidopsis as a model system
• Signal transduction with a focus on MAP kinase signaling pathways
• Floral organ abcission and cell separation
• Identification of crossing barriers in Solanum species
• Functional characterization of plant centromeres
• Role of natural lipids in controlling fruit ripening and quality

Germplasm development, systematics, and breeding

• Management of US working collection of potato germplasm
• Genome sequencing and genetic tool development in cranberry
• Identification of valuable traits in wild Solanum germplasm
• Development of new breeding methodologies for self pollinated crops
• Genetics and biochemistry of culinary and nutritive factors in carrot
• Biostatistical approaches to understanding and analyzing complex genetic datasets
• Development of new cranberry cultivars and genetic materials for farmers and consumers
• Breeding and genetics of potato with a focus on genomic selection and computational biology
• Cultivar and inbred line development in vegetable crops with a focus on culinary quality
• Human health functionality in horticultural crops
• Species boundaries and phylogenetic relationships in potato, tomato, and carrot

 Molecular biology, crop physiology, and postharvest quality

• Postharvest physiology and carbohydrate metabolism in potato
• Cold acclimation and mechanisms of freezing injury in crop plants
• Calcium and nitrogen nutrition in potato
• Chromosome evolution in Cucurbit species
• Cell separation and adhesion in ornamental plants and fruit crops

Edible and ornamental crop management and sustainable production

• Fruit crop physiology, root dynamics, and cold hardiness
• Organic production systems for vegetable crops
• Calcium nutrition and its role in crop production and postharvest quality
• Pesticide residues in crop production
• Integrated strategies for weed management with a focus on environmental sustainability
• Water management and water quality in vegetable production in Wisconsin
• Urban and regional food systems development
• Participatory crop research and farmer-led research programs
• Tolerance of ornamentals to environmental stresses including deicing salts