Devin O’Connor
Assistant Professor
Motivated by plant utility, inspired by evolution, fed by people, music, and the mountains. I just love plants, I always have. With a background on both the academic and industry sides I’m eager to train the next generation of scientists and bring new discoveries to the field for the benefit of all.
Gabby Rupp
Postdoc
My interest in plants stems from my roots. Growing up in the Midwest surrounded by agriculture sparked my curiosity about how plants interact with the changing world around them. Today, my research interest focuses on understanding how plants perceive and respond to the environment through proteins at the plasma membrane, helping them to continue to grow and adapt to changing conditions. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time in nature, trying (and failing) to perfect San Francisco style sourdough, and getting lost in a good book.
Danielle Samson
PhD Student
I am a PhD student in the O’Connor lab through the Cell & Molecular Biology Program. I’ve had deep interests in genetics and food security for as long as I can remember. While in undergrad at North Carolina State University, I figured out how to combine my interests and studied Genetics and Crop Biotechnology. I spent some time in the AgTech industry before returning to graduate school, where I work on tunable allele design for crop improvement. In my free time, I love hiking, live music, gardening and crocheting!
Sinead Cahill
Master’s Student
I fell in love with plant biology during my undergraduate degree at UC San Diego, where I worked to understand the impact of abiotic stress on root development in maize. I am currently working under Dr. O’Connor to understand fundamental plant development and apply that knowledge to scientific discoveries that can help fight environmental issues. When I’m not in lab, I enjoy cooking, hiking, and crafting!
Dean Heffron
Undergraduate Student, Biochemistry Major
I’m a sophomore at CSU studying biochemistry. I’m excited to be researching plant development through microscopy and genetic engineering. In the future, I hope to continue researching plant development, evolution, and conservation within the natural order. In my free time I like to play soccer and explore the outdoors, especially on a bike!
