Dr. Kaeppler’s research program focuses on crop genomics, tissue culture, genetic engineering and genome editing.  The long term goals of her program are: 1) to enhance understanding of the genetic control of expression of important traits in crops for use in plant functional genomics research and crop improvement applications; 2) to investigate genetic mechanisms involved in stem cell generation, meristem development, somatic embryogenesis and regenerability from tissue culture; 3) decipher genetic and epigenetic factors affecting transgene integration and expression; and 4) to develop and optimize efficient, genotype independent crop tissue culture, genetic engineering and genome editing systems.