News Archive
New Scientists Joining BTI
March 16, 2007
Dr. Frank Schroeder
Two scientists, Frank Schroeder, Ph.D., and Ji-Young Lee, Ph.D., will soon be bringing their knowledge and expertise to BTI, increasing the number of principal investigators to fourteen.
Dr. Schroeder’s research focuses on the structure and biological function of natural products from plants, arthropods, fungi, and bacteria, with applications to the design of new pharmaceuticals to fight disease. He holds four patents related to the use of natural compounds in pest control, as herbicides, and for therapeutic purposes. [see a recent article on Dr. Schroeder]
Dr. Schroeder received his undergraduate and Ph.D. from the University of Hamburg, working with Dr. Wittko Francke. After completing his doctorate, Dr. Schroeder came to Cornell University to conduct postdoctoral work with Dr. Jerry Meinwald in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. Dr. Schroeder currently works in collaboration with Dr. Meinwald and Dr. John Clardy at Harvard Medical School, where he is also the director of the Natural Products Initiative.
Dr. Lee investigates the evolution of root development across plant species. Various proteins regulate the activity of genes during root development, which occurs in response to internal signals and environmental changes. “Plant species evolved smart ways to survive in various soil conditions. By understanding the function of [these proteins] in regulatory networks we can genetically engineer developmental characteristics of crop roots for various purposes,” said Dr. Lee.
Dr. Ji-Young Lee
Dr. Lee completed her Ph.D. at the University of California, Davis, with Dr. John Bowman. She comes to BTI from Duke University, where she conducted postdoctoral research with Dr. Philip Benfy.
Both scientists are looking forward to new opportunities for collaboration with a team of world-class researchers.
“During my first visit to BTI I was very attracted to the Institute because of the interactive atmosphere and well-equipped facilities. I was particularly impressed by the people,” said Dr. Lee.
Dr. Schroeder has previously collaborated with BTI scientist Dr. Georg Jander, emeritus scientist Dr. Alan Renwick, and former scientist Dr. Alice Churchill. He is excited to integrate small molecule biochemistry into BTI’s strong molecular biology program.
These scientists bring new areas of expertise, enhancing BTI’s current research programs. Both assistant scientists will begin work this coming summer.