Recognizing Plant Physiology authors: Duncan Coleman

Duncan Coleman, first author of The SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1 negatively regulates shoot regeneration

Current Position: PhD Student, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo

Education: MSc Biosciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Japan; BSc Biology, Biochemistry and Geography, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Non-scientific Interests: cycling, watching movies, and listening to music

Brief bio: I am a PhD student in the laboratory of Keiko Sugimoto at Riken Yokohama and the University of Tokyo studying how stress regulates cellular reprograming and organ regeneration in plants. I grew up on a farm in New Zealand and have always been fascinated with plants. My interest in molecular biology grew during a couple of research internships at the University of Canterbury, and after receiving a Japanese government scholarship, I moved to Nara Japan to do a master’s degree. I eventually landed in the metropolis of Tokyo where I currently reside. I also recently spent two months in the University of Missouri learning about phospho-proteomics. I think the challenge of adapting to a new environment and language in Japan helped me develop as a young scientist. The plant research community here is excellent and I would recommend for anyone to study or work in Japan. I think plant scientists will play a crucial role in solving future challenges such as developing climate-resilient crops and new medicines, and I am excited to contribute to the community.