Profile TabsProfileDr. Andrea GschwendAssistant Professor - Genetics70% Research | 30% Teachinggschwend.2@osu.edu(614) 292-2014Office: Howlett Hall (344)Columbus CampusProfessional InformationDegrees & Credentials: PhD Plant Biology - The University of Illinois (2012)BA Biology - Augustana College (2006)Interests & Expertise: GeneticsBiography: Dr. Andrea Gschwend is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Sciences. She grew up in the Midwest with a knack for teaching and an interest in biology. She received her B.A. in Biology from Augustana College and her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, where she researched the evolution of sex chromosomes in papaya. Dr. Gschwend carried out a postdoc at the University of Chicago, where she was awarded an NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) to investigate the role of newly evolved genes in the reproductive fitness of Drosophila melanogaster. She taught for a year at Loyola University in Chicago before beginning her position at OSU. Her current research program investigates genetic variation in crops and their wild relatives that contributes to improved adaptation to environmental stress. Her lab has active research projects that investigate the genetics of agriculturally significant adaptive traits in field pennycress, giant ragweed, and grapevine, which are funded through DOE, USDA, and OARDC grants. Dr. Gschwend is also active in teaching and mentoring. She teaches HCS 2202 Form and Function of Cultivated Plants and HCS 4520 Medical Plants, is the academic advisor for the Sustainable Plant Systems: Plant Biosciences specialization, and is an advocate for undergraduate research experiences. You can learn a bit more about me by clicking on the questions below: What got you interested in this field? I've always been interested in science. In high school I was interested in cellular biology, anatomy, and genetics, but didn’t want to be a medical doctor. In college, I took some genetics and botany classes, and I carried out a research project that investigated the genetic diversity of a population of Delphinium bakeri, an endangered plant species. These experiences ignited my interest in plant genetics research. I attended graduate school to study the evolution of plant genomes. Exciting current research My lab studies the genetics that underlie adaptive traits in plants, which allow them to be more resilient to changes in the environment. We have a few ongoing projects related to identifying genetic diversity that allows wild grapevine to be more resilient to freezing temperatures, fungal pathogens, and insect herbivory, compared to their cultivated relatives. We also study the effects of prolonged waterlogging on pennycress, an up-and-coming biofuel cover crop, and are working to identify genetic variation in natural populations that contribute to flooding resilience. Rough career path that brought you to OSU After graduate school, I carried out a postdoc project that studied the evolution of genes in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies). Though the research was interesting, this experience made me realize that my passion lied in plant genetics research, so my findings in the lab could be directly applied to improvements in the field. Industry international involvement None currently Favorite industry conference I enjoy the Plant & Animal Genome Conference. It is a great opportunity to learn about exciting new plant genomic research, connect with other scientists in the field, and identify opportunities for collaboration. What are you most excited about seeing happen in HCS this year It’s bittersweet, but I am excited for my graduate students’ research project to be published and for them to graduate! What do you do in your free time I really enjoy being outside, hiking, and gardening. It’s nice to get a break from the computer and technology! I also love traveling to new and exciting places, singing along to my favorite songs, and spending time with my family and friends. Want to know more? Check out my LinkedIn or my work! Works - Any -Journal articleBook/book chapterReportWorking paperPolicy briefPresentationData
