In my capacity as Senior Research Assistant to Dr. Tim McNellis, my work focuses on host responses to bacterial attack. Using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model host, we employ molecular and genetic tools to learn more about the mechanisms involved in determining plant resistance or susceptibility. I am currently examining protein interactions within the host and between host and pathogen during the early stages of pathogen challenge.

Prior joining Dr. McNellis’ lab in 2002, I spent several years in the lab of Dr. Eva Pell, studying response of plants to the air pollutant ozone.

Pell, W. J., Sinn, J. P., Brendley, B. E., Samuelson, L., Vinten-Johansen, C., Tien, M. and Skillman, J. 1999. "Differential response of four tree species to ozone-induced acceleration of foliar senescence." Plant, Cell and Environment 22:779-790.

Pell, E. J., J. P. Sinn, and C. Vinten Johansen. 1995. "Nitrogen supply as a limiting factor determining the sensitivity of Populus tremuloides Michx. to ozone stress." New Phytologist 130:437-446.

Pell, E. J., J. P. Sinn, N. Eckardt, C. Vinten Johansen, W. E. Winner, and H. A. Mooney. 1993." Response of radish to multiple stresses: Influence of season and genotype on plant response to ozone and soil moisture deficit." New Phytologist 123:153-163.