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 the molecular evolution of genetic variation that leads to improved adaptation to environmental stress in crops and their wild relatives, with the goal of crop improvement. 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 SEEDS 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 high school and 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 liked human anatomy & genetics - but didn’t want to be a Medical Doctor. Once I got to college, I took some genetic classes & worked in lab that focused on the genetic diversity of species. In grad school, I began applying the research to plants and leading to tangible results in crops. Exciting current research Overall my lab is interested in identifying genetics that underly adaptive traits aka be resilient under challenging conditions (either abiotic or biotic). Wild grapevines - looking for genes that allow wild grapevines to survive winter better & be more resistant to fungal pathogens as compared to regular cultivated grapevines resilience. Pennycress (biofuel cover crop) - specifically looking for genes that underly adaptive traits to allow pennycress to survive better under waterlogged conditions. Rough career path that brought you to OSU I always knew I liked teaching people things from a super young age. In undergrad, I realized I enjoyed teaching at a higher level then little kids can understand. I also found a new connection & interest in research which led me to pursue a career in academia. Industry international involvement None currently Favorite industry conference I enjoy the Plant & Animal Genome Conference - it gets everyone that does genomic research into one spot and provides lots of opportunity to collaborate together. What are you most excited about seeing happen in HCS this year I'm excited to see students face to face - since the last two years it's mostly been remote. What do you do in your free time I really enjoy being outside, hiking & gardening - overall just getting a break from the computer is so important! When possible I also love traveling both around the US & abroad. Want to know more? Check out my LinkedIn or my work! Works - Any -Journal articleBook/book chapterReportWorking paperPolicy briefPresentationData
