Our lab combines computational and experimental approaches to reveal molecular mechanisms underlying adaptive strategies in plants. We focus on metabolic traits at multiple scales including individual genes, pathways, and networks. We also uncover novel functions, mechanisms, and pathways of ‘unknown’ genes (those that are not similar to any known genes), which is taking us to areas of research we never thought of studying before.

Front Matter

We aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptive traits in the face of heat, drought, nutrient limitation, latitude and pests. We study a variety of plants including models, orphan crops, medicinal and desert plants. More recently our work has involved studying a model nematode C. elegans, fungal pathogens, corals, and piezophilic bacterium. Our group employs computational modeling and targeted laboratory testing to study mechanisms of adaptation, functions of novel genes, organization and function of metabolic networks, and chemical and neuronal code of plant-animal interactions. We are also interested in developing translational research programs involving carbon sequestration by plants and biomass maximization under drought in bioenergy crops. See our Publications and Talks.

News

August 14th, 2026
Rhee Lab member Dr. Matt Stata will be joining the Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst as an Assistant Professor and launching the Stata Lab, a research group focused on photosynthetic evolution, diversity, and resilience. We are so proud of Matt and everything he has accomplished, and we will miss him dearly! Congratulations on the new position, Professor Stata!

August 10th, 2026
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Henry Nvenankeng to the Rhee Lab as a Postdoctoral Scholar! Henry brings expertise in nematology, crop protection, agro-neuropharmacology, and drug target identification. As a part of C-SPIRIT will explore how nematodes respond to plant-derived compounds and environmental stress, supporting the discovery of natural strategies for protecting crops and advancing plant resilience. Welcome, Henry!

August 3rd, 2026
Dr. Huiqiao Pan has officially joined Michigan State University and the Rhee Lab as a Lab Manager and Research Assistant! We are so excited to have Huiqiao on the team and look forward to working with her!

July 29th, 2026
Dr. Evan Saldivar has officially (re-)joined our lab as a Postdoctoral Scholar! Evan will be continuing to research metabolic cell biology at Michigan State University after earning his PhD at Stanford Biology.

July 17th, 2026
We are excited to announce that Dr. Shifa Ansari has joined our lab as a Postdoctoral Scholar! Shifa will contribute to the EWAS-PR project, working with Drs. Addie Thompson, Sue Rhee, and Robert VanBuren on computational approaches that integrate environmental, phenotypic, and genomic data to better understand plant resilience in the field. Welcome to the Rhee Lab, Shifa!

July 8th, 2026
Congratulations to Aidan Deneen on receiving the MSU Plant Biotechnology for Health and Sustainability Graduate Training Program Fellowship! This two-year fellowship supports graduate students engaged in plant biotechnology research advancing health and sustainability. We’re proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and excited to see Aidan’s continued contributions to the Rhee Lab and the broader MSU plant science community!

June 19th, 2026
Henry will join us in August as a Research Associate, bringing expertise in nematology, crop protection, agro-neuropharmacology, and drug target identification. In collaboration with C-SPIRIT and WALII, Henry’s research will explore how nematodes respond to plant-derived compounds and environmental stress, with the goal of advancing sustainable crop protection and plant resilience. Welcome to the Rhee Lab, Henry!

June 18th, 2026
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Huiqiao Pan to the Rhee Lab, who will be starting as a Lab Manager in August! Dr. Pan’s research background includes plant-microbe interactions, rhizobial symbiosis, and plant host immunity, and we’re excited to welcome her experience and perspective to the team.

June 15th, 2026
This past Sunday, June 14th, Rhee Lab member Dr. Evan Saldivar was officially hooded in celebration of earning his PhD from Stanford Biology. Congratulations, Evan! We are so proud of you, and so excited to see what you do next!