Graduate Student Profile
Introducing: Xiang Wang
 |
Advisor: Rajeev Arora
Degree Seeking: PhD in Horticulture
Current Research:
My research focuses on photoprotective strategies in overwintering Rhododendrons.
These plants usually suffer from a combination of freezing temperature and high light
in their natural habitat in winter. They are commonly exposed to more light than they
can use to drive photosynthesis in winter, so they evolve with some photoprotective
mechanisms to handle more light. In my work two contrasting species of Rhododendron
(R. ponticum and R. catawbiense) are used to investigate the differences of photoprotective
strategies under winter conditions. Previous study showed that R. catawbiense exhibited
thermonasty (leaf curling and drooping under low temperature) and R. ponticum did not,
and also the leaves of R. catawbiense can tolerate much lower temperatures in winter.
The overall objective of this work is to investigate the different responses to combined
high light and freezing temperature under winter conditions between the two species. We
mainly hypothesize that thermonasty may be associated with protecting overwintering
Rhododenrons from photooxidative damage under winter conditions. The variables that I am
measuring include cold hardiness, gas exchange, maximal PSII efficiency
(Fv/Fm), antioxidants, early light-induced proteins (Elips) and leaf anatomical adaptation.
Hometown: Wuhan, China
Extra Curricular Activities:
None
Hobbies:
Music, soccer, Pingpong and reading
Favorite Movie:
Forrest Gump
Favorite Book:
No idea
Career Goals:
First goal during the following two or three years is to successfully graduate
and publish quality papers. Then I would like to continue working in the university
as a researcher.
Past Graduate Student Profiles:
Emilie Justen
Olivia Marie Lenahan
David DeVetter
Scott Kalberer
Nickolee Boyer
Dennis Portz
Fredy Romero
Brian Anthony Campbell
