Widmier, Audrey
What brought you to UGA? UGA was my number one school when applying because of its diverse research and collaboration opportunities. I also prioritized programs that would allow me to rotate between labs in my first semester so I could feel more confident in my lab choice, learn new skills, and meet possible future committee members.
What are your research/study interests? I am interested in investigating molecular processes in control of plant resistance to abiotic stressors. In my project, I am using CRISPR/Cas9 to characterize genes involved in the carbohydrate transport and storage within Populus trees in response to winter conditions.
What has been a benefit of being part of IPS?/How did it help you select your program? I was able to experience different kinds of plant research so I can concretely decide what I’d like to work on during my Ph.D. I also had a lot of opportunities to discuss with other graduate students the benefits of each department and lab that I was considering, which helped me make my decision. Lastly, my cohort is now across several departments, which can help with resources and knowledge in future research endeavors.
What are your career goals? I am hoping to become a professor in a primarily undergraduate university (PUI), like the university I attended as an undergraduate. Although the research tends to be slower in these institutions, this career offers ample mentorship interactions with students in the lab and classroom, which I am currently prioritizing in my career.
Who is your major professor? Chung-Jui (CJ) Tsai