mountains

People

Now hiring

We are looking for a Postdoc to join our team at CSU

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.

Sinead Cahill

Lab Manager/Tech
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!

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!

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!
Dean