Zierden Lab

ABOUT THE LAB

Our research bridges bioinorganic chemistry and chemical ecology. We focus on how genetic differences within plant species affect how genotypes chemically respond to a variety of environmental factors.

We work with multiple plant species including big tooth aspen (Populus grandidentata), hemp (Cannabis sativa), and northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis). Bigtooth aspen and northern white cedar play very important roles in the ecology of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Upper Midwest, and Canada.

Excess metals in the soil can cause health problems for humans and plants. Both hemp and aspen are tolerant of this metal stress and can be used to remove or stabilize the metals in the soil (phytoremediation).

Projects relate to genetic variation in growth, secondary metabolite production, deer-browsing, metal transport, and microbial associations.

The Zierden Lab is always looking for students to join.