featured Writing
BEATING THE HEAT: EXPLORING ALGAE'S ABILITY TO THRIVE IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS
MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Mar. 2023
Found in acidic volcanic hot springs, the extremophilic alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae contains a unique process that allows them to survive in extreme environments. Researchers, led by graduate student Anne Steensma from the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, are looking at this process and its potential to change how we understand the ways photosynthetic organisms adapt to environmental challenges like high temperatures.
![DSC_0172[50]_WEB.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d1379_5f46b6886bcf46f5b07f0ebf68633c8f~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_504,h_314/fill/w_440,h_274,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/DSC_0172%5B50%5D_WEB.jpg)
UNLOCKING SOLAR-POWERED SECRETS: DOE RENEWS GRANT FOR PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH AT MSU
MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Jun. 2023
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory (PRL) a $12 million Department of Energy Office of Basic Energy Sciences competitive renewal grant to continue research in photosynthetic energy capture, conversion and storage. The three-year grant will allow PRL scientists to continue in their mission to understand how photosynthetic organisms function and thrive in natural environments, and enable the development of new technologies that improve human lives.
PRL MEMBERS BRING PLANT RESEARCH TO THE MSU SCIENCE FESTIVAL
MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Apr. 2023
Three groups from the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory participated in the 2023 MSU Science Festival. The Community Building and Outreach Committee, the Vermaas lab and the Sharkey lab volunteered to bring PRL science to the public at the university’s annual festival.
FROM FARM TO PHARMACEUTICALS: DISCOVERING METABOLITES WITH POTENTIAL USES IN MEDICINE
Molecular Plant Sciences, Feb. 2023
Scopolamine and hyoscyamine are medicinally important compounds that are produced in some solanaceous species. MPS student Hannah Parks is interested in understanding the metabolism in this family of plants.
HOW TO BE A WOMAN: VOD PICKS
Women and Hollywood, Apr. 2021
I wrote this piece during my fellowship with Women and Hollywood. It highlights four short films by women and non-binary directors and discusses what it means to exist as a woman.
PLEASE WATCH CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND WITH ME
agnès films, Jul. 2020
I wrote this essay for the feminist film publication, agnès films, about my love for the TV show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. I discuss the excellent way the show handles themes like mental health and sexuality, while staying lighthearted and positive.