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

March 13th, 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!

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 Dr. Evan Saldivar on the successful defense of his dissertation “Discovery of novel molecular players in the adaptive response to nitrogen deprivation in two divergent model photoautotrophs”! We are so proud of you, Dr. Saldivar!

February 2nd, 2026
A warm welcome to our newest Rhee Lab member, Natalie Pitts! Natalie is an undergraduate student at Michigan State University and will be working with Erin Cushing.

December 18th, 2025
The Rhee Lab has three new members! We are excited to share that Ryan Brener (PhD Student), Aidan Deneen (PhD Student), and Elena Elias (Undergraduate Student) have recently joined our team. Welcome, Ryan, Aidan, and Elena!

December 4th, 2025
Congratulations to Dr. Seung Yon (Sue) Rhee on receiving 2025 Michigan State University College of Natural Science Research Leadership Award! This honor highlights her leadership in advancing plant resilience research, mentoring scientists, and building impactful collaborations across MSU and with global partners. Read the full announcement here.

November 7th, 2025
Congratulations to Rhee Lab Members Karine Prado, Bo Xue, Sterling Field, Matt Stata, Charles Hawkins, and their colleagues on the publication of their manuscript “Photosynthetic acclimation is a key contributor to exponential growth of a desert plant in Death Valley summer” in Current Biology! Read the press release for the manuscript here, and additional writing about the manuscript here and here.