Sarathi M. Weraduwage: Plant Direct First Author

Sarathi M. Weraduwage, first author of “Characterization of promoter elements of isoprene-responsive genes, and the ability of isoprene to bind START domain transcription factors”

Current Position: Assistant Professor (tenure-track), Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Bishop’s University, QC, Canada

Education: Ph.D. Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada

B.Sc. Botany, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Non-scientific Interests: Gardening

Brief bio:

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate and a Research Assistant Professor in the Sharkey Lab at the Plant Research Laboratory and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, I studied the relationship between photosynthesis and plant growth in the model plant Arabidopsis. My research on isoprene, a volatile hemiterpene made by some plants, helped redefine its role as a signaling molecule. I have always been fascinated by the immense diversity of growth habits in plants and their adaptability to varying micro- and macro-environments. My research at Bishop’s University will focus on: (1) optimizing leaf architecture to maximize photosynthesis, plant growth and productivity under future environmental conditions and (2) investigating novel roles of isoprene and it’s signaling mechanisms.