Flower Development on Modified Poplars
Faculty mentor/Supervisor
Greg Goralogia
Email Address
Department Affiliation
Forest Ecosystems & Society
Project Location
Corvallis
Project Description
The Strauss Lab has an ongoing field trial which is testing if gene editing through CRISPR/Cas9 can induce poplar trees to halt flowering (catkin) development. If successful, this would be a means of genetic containment to ease further deployment of tree biotechnology. These trees have been in the field for eight years and just began flowering last Spring, and next early Spring (2026) will be the main year to analyze the flowers. We will look at floral buds prior to flushing in early Spring and collect them at different stages as they develop. The student will learn about sample collection, preservation, fixation, and histology; learn microscopy techniques and gain insight into flower development and plant cell biology.
Describe the type of work and tasks you anticipate the student will perform
Field collection of floral buds and catkins, sample preservation using fixation techniques, wax embedment, sectioning, histology, and microscopy and imaging. Work will be a mix of time in the field and the laboratory. It will require some knowledge of introductory chemical techniques, as some reagents are hazardous and require special care and disposal. Sample organization and detailed data management will be required for project success.
Hourly rate of pay
$15.05
Certification
Yes
What is the expected timeline of this project?
November 2025 – May 2026
Are special skills or knowledge required to work on this project?
No
Will training be provided?
Yes
How many hours per week do you anticipate a student to work?
5-10
How many hours per week do you anticipate engaging in direct mentorship?
I plan on having 5 hours per week on average devoted to training and mentoring the student. Generally that may involve more mentorship time in the beginning (to develop technical skills), and at the end as students prepare to present their findings.
This project will involve a close mentee-mentor training relationship involving technical training required for sample analysis. Students will be expected to spend some time presenting their initial findings at formal group laboratory meetings, and composing method documents for eventual publication. Readings and discussion of primary scientific literature related to the project will also be required.