Dr. Joshua Blakeslee

I've known I wanted to be involved with science that would help people since I was six-years-old. By looking at compounds that regulate stress responses; we can hopefully make plants into biofactors - which will ultimately lessen pharmaceutical drug prices.

Dr. Blakeslee’s laboratory is focused on understanding the biochemical physiology of plant responses to the environment. One primary area of focus is membrane signaling and transport in plant responses to abiotic stresses, including salt drought, and light/heat stress. Research to date has focused on the role lipid-based signalling molecules such as phosphatidic acid in regulating protein phosphorylation (via the protein phosphatase 2A complex) and auxin transport during root stress responses in Arabidopsis and rice. Current research has also expanded to investigate the composition, function, and regulation of membrane-bound multiprotein complexes in the metabolism/production of terpenoid compounds, including: sterols/steroids, sesquiterpene bio-fuel molecules, bioactive medicinal poly-terpenoids, and rubber molecules.

In grad school I just knew I wanted to stay in academia.

I have collaborative projects with researchers based around Europe, the UK, Switzerland, Finland & China.

The International Workshop on Plant Membrane Biology is my favorite - it's a small & very specialized conference. I also enjoy the Gordon Research Conferences on salt & water stress in plants.

All the new hiring we're doing - looking forward to meeting new skilled colleagues & collaborators.

I enjoy reading & hiking!