Professor Emerita of Horticulture
College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Sara Patterson's research group focuses on the genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry of plant development with a focus on the mechanisms that regulate cell separation and adhesion in floral organ abscission in Arabidopsis. Patterson also applies this work to economically important crops such as cold-hardy grapes and fonio (a West African orphan grain) and supports university outreach efforts in teaching plant science.
Research Interests
- Developmental and genetic characterization of the abscission process and senescence in plants
- Role and value of school and community gardens