Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center Science Director Federica Brandizzi has been appointed to lead a prestigious lab at Michigan State University.
Brandizzi, a professor of plant biology at MSU, took over in August as director of the MSU-Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory (PRL).
Embedded at MSU and largely funded by the Department of Energy, PRL scientists investigate photosynthetic organisms — like plants, algae and cyanobacteria — to discover how they work on the molecular level. This knowledge can underpin the development of plants that are more efficient, heartier under stressful environmental conditions, and more nutritious.
“Becoming the next director of the PRL is a tremendous honor and a deeply meaningful opportunity,” Brandizzi said. “The PRL has a storied legacy of groundbreaking research, interdisciplinary and collaboration in plant science and I am humbled to carry that forward. As someone who has grown as a scientist in the PRL and always admired its legacy, impact and spirit of innovation, I am excited to help shape its next chapter.”
Brandizzi joined GLBRC in 2010, serving for the past 4 years as science director alongside UW–Madison biochemistry professor Robert Landick.
She will remain a co-investigator with GLBRC. The center expects to name a new science director later this year.
Read more about Brandizzi and her new role with the PRL.