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

April 13th, 2026
A warm welcome to our newest Rhee Lab member, Yingtao Li! Yingtao is a Postdoctoral Scholar from the University of Tsukuba visiting Michigan State University to advance the work of C-SPIRIT‘s Aim 1 and 5. He will be working with Rhee Lab member Bri Hashim to study stress resilience in pennycress.

April 13th, 2026
We had a blast at the 2026 Michigan State University Science Festival STEAM Expo Days this past weekend! Rhee Lab members Karine Prado, Matt Stata, Barno Rezaeva, and Katie Philipps presented their activity “Exploring Growth and Self-Recycling with Corn”, where visitors learned about how corn plants grow, recycle nutrients, and repair themselves as they develop. See pictures on our LinkedIn and BlueSky!

April 12th, 2026
Congratulations to Rhee Lab members Evan Saldivar, Bo Xue, and Seung Yon (Sue) Rhee as well as their colleagues on the publication of their article “A Reference-Free Algorithm Disovers Regulation in the Plant Transcriptome” in Plant Direct! Their study introduces SPLASH, a reference-free algorithm that detects gene regulation directly from RNA-seq data without relying on a reference genome. It reveals patterns such as allele-specific expression and alternative splicing across plant datasets, enabling discovery even in poorly characterized species. Click here to read the article!

April 10th, 2026
We’re hiring a Research Assistant III/S to support cutting-edge research on plant resilience using molecular biology and advanced imaging approaches! This role offers opportunities to contribute to collaborative, interdisciplinary projects while developing mentorship and leadership experience in a dynamic lab environment. Applications close April 21, 2026, with the possibility of reopening in late April or early May; if the posting is closed, interested candidates are encouraged to reach out directly by email. Click here to learn more!

March 24th, 2026
Join Rhee Lab members Karine Prado, Matt Stata, Barno Rezaeva, and Katie Phillips at the 2026 Michigan State University Science Festival STEAM Expo Days on April 11th & 12th! They will be running an activity titled “Exploring Growth and Self-Recycling with Corn”, where visitors can discover how corn plants grow, recycle nutrients, and repair themselves as they develop. Stop by to explore, enjoy some popcorn, and take home colorful glass-gem corn kernels!

March 16th, 2026
Rhee Lab member Matt Stata has been featured in East Lansing Info! We’re excited to see Matt highlighted in “East Lansing Makers: Do You Know the Mushroom Man?”, which explores his passion for cultivating gourmet mushrooms like oyster, lion’s mane, and chestnut varieties at home.

March 12th, 2026
This week, Rhee Lab members Charles, Aidan, Katie, and Barno from Michigan State University joined Glencairn Elementary’s Science Night, sharing hands-on activities about plant growth, chemistry, and molecular models with curious young scientists! See pictures of this events in our gallery.

March 2nd, 2026
Congratulations to Rhee Lab member Dr. Evan Saldivar on successfully defending his PhD dissertation “Discovery of novel molecular players in the adaptive response to nitrogen deprivation in two divergent model photoautotrophs” on March 2nd at Stanford Biology! We are so proud of you, Evan!