The research goal of this CAREER proposal is to experimentally identify the essential features that govern regulatory networks and develop accurate mathematical models that describe their molecular dynamics. Emergent behaviors of stem cell networks is investigated by integrating genome-wide approaches with cutting-edge imaging technologies and mathematical modeling.

The outreach goal is to develop a platform for effective interdisciplinary education by proposing an individualized educational program. A plant systems biology course integrating biological (gene expression, genome data, signaling data, modules/gene to function, and interaction between modules) and mathematical (data-driven modeling, structural identifiability and estimation, dynamics, and computational tools) approach has been developed and offered the past five years (2014-2019). Publications: To date, there have been 16 publications from this support (Nature Com17, PNAS18, eLife19, Dev Bio20, Nature21, Plant J22, Dev23, Curr Bio24, Mol Cell25, Methods in Mol Bio26–28, J Exp Bot29, Plant Phys30, Plant Biotech J31, Curr Opinion in Plant Bio32).

The overarching goal of this project is to develop a coordinated global network of scientists, research sites, and model cropping and plant systems focused on agricultural plant and soil microbes. In 2018, we sponsored 2 workshops for 150 participants, supported sessions at 2 international meetings, and established a project website and database of microbiome researchers. In 2019, we sponsored a third workshop and scientific sessions at 2 national meetings. In 2020, we have events planned at 5 national or international meetings.

The project targets 4 key areas: i) increasing diversity in agricultural microbiome research, via active recruitment of and targeted scholarships provided to diverse participants; ii) aggressive inclusion of young investigators; iii) development of open channels of communication and collaboration targeting especially under-represented geographic regions; and iv) increasing agricultural microbiomes eduction. Publications: Phytobiomes Journal33.

The goal of this project is to identify and mathematically characterize emergent behaviors of gene regulatory networks during the ontogenic development of differentiated phloem cells and use this information to generate computational models that predict how regulatory signals regulate this process in the face of changing environmental conditions.

This project is supporting 1 graduate student and has supported 1 postdoc, and 2 undergraduate students from local MRIs who presented her work at the Annual Shaw University Student Research Symposium, NCSU Summer Undergraduate Research Spring Symposium, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). Publications: To date, there have been 6 publications from this support: Front Plant Sci34,35, Nature21, PNAS18, Dev Bio20, Curr Bio24

Through this planning grant, we will crystallize our vision by: 1) defining specific problems that will yield significant societal impact; 2) defining a convergent space of research, along with appropriate personnel, that are able to address the scientific and technical gaps; 3) engaging with the Ag-producer, Ag-grower and the Ag-Biotech community to assess how emerging technology can be used to increase value to their industry; and 4) identifying opportunities for team formation and engagement in leadership and management training.

Thus far, we have several meetings, including a two-day stakeholder engagement workshop where day 1 was focused on identifying the problems important to agricultural growers and producers and day 2 was focused on identifying opportunities to provide value to the ag-biotech industry within a precompetitive space. Both days were well attended with 24 attendees on day 1 and 39 attendees on day 2 across 3 universities, 10 ag-biotech companies, a non-profit, and a commodity group. The data obtained from the discussions were coded, synthesized, and analyzed for emergent themes across these stakeholders. Interactions that have emerged from this planning grant have led to the submission of multiple federal grants totaling $10.6M.