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

November 6th, 2026
Congratulations to Rhee Lab alumna Purva Karia, Rhee Lab members Charles Hawkins, Bo Xue, and Sue Rhee, and their collaborators on the publication of their article “Sorghum Metabolic Atlas: A fluorescent protein-based subcellular localization resource for sorghum enzymes” in The Plant Journal! Their study uses fluorescent protein tagging to map 234 metabolic enzymes across 184 pathways and 12 subcellular compartments in sorghum, providing new insights into the organization of plant metabolism.

The team also developed the publicly accessible Sorghum Metabolic Atlas, an online resource that supports future research into plant metabolism, metabolic engineering, and crop resilience.

October 28th, 2026
A big congratulations to Rhee Lab member Erin Cushing for passing her PhD qualifying exam! Erin presented her research on “Decoding Desiccation Tolerance Acquisition in Arabidopsis Seeds,” exploring how seeds develop the ability to survive extreme drying. This is an exciting step forward in her doctoral studies, and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!

October 5th, 2026
We are pleased to welcome Janine Mantilla and Rachel Weber to the Rhee Lab! Both Janine and Rachel are graduate students at Michigan State University who will be rotating with us this fall. We look forward to having them as part of our research community!

August 31st, 2026
Congratulations to Rhee Lab member Bri Hashim on successfully passing her PhD qualifying exam! We’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with Bri, and look forward to seeing where her research takes her next as she continues her PhD journey!

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!