This is Chong Teng, but you can call me TC. I'm a post-doc in the Meyers Lab, and in my plate there are Dcl5 and 24-nt meiotic phasiRNA in the maize anther. The big idea is that the Dcl5 controlled 24-nt meiotic phasiRNA help the maize anther get by hot and humid summer to maintain the male fertility. Other than science, I'm the dumpling maker of the Meyers lab family.

I joined the Meyers lab in September 2018 after finishing my Ph.D. in Plant Science at University of Arizona. I am interested in understanding the genetic and epigenetic regulation of plant reproductive development in general. Currently, I am investigating the biogenesis, function, and evolution of the anther-specific, 21-nt phasiRNAs in cereal species using maize as the primary model.

Joined the Meyers Lab in 2012, I have been working on small RNA imaging and localization. We have created a suite of exiting tools for RNA imaging and analysis, from single-molecular level to whole tissue, in both live and fixed samples.

I joined the Meyers Lab where I am studying the roles of small and tiny RNAs involved in communication between plants and microbes. Small RNAs appear to play an essential role in plant resistance and I believe that a better understanding of their mode of action will allow us to reduce crop losses and improve productivity. When I am not in the lab, I love to travel and discover new places, play sports, and enjoy nature with my family. How does a nice day look to me? Good music, good friends and good wine.

I joined the Meyers lab after earning a B.S. in molecular biology and physiology. Among many goals I had when joining this lab, I wanted to gain computational skills relevant for my research. My objective here is to utilize novel sequencing and labeling techniques to study proteins involved in small RNA biogenesis and their modes of operation. When I’m not working, I like to bake, travel and spend time with my family.

I first joined the Meyers lab as a Computer Science Master's student in 2007 at the University of Delaware. On graduation, I continued working as a staff bioinformatician before joining DuPont Pioneer as a Sr. Bioinformatics Research Associate in 2010. While working full-time in the industry, I have returned to Meyers lab in 2016 as a part-time PhD student in Bioinformatics. My research interests include development of machine learning and computational algorithms for the study of miRNA and phasiRNA evolution in plants. When time allows, I follow Formula1 and enjoy mountain biking/motorcycles.

I joined the Meyers Lab in June of 2017 following the completion of my MS degree at the University of Delaware with Prof. Janine Sherrier, where I studied phasiRNAs in the legume-Rhizobium symbiosis. Currently, I am involved in the construction of a genetic engineering tool aimed to improve selection of successful products of homologous recombination. I am also interested in nuclear-cytoplasmic export of small RNAs. In my free time, I engage with the local STL community in many STEM outreach activities, as well as volunteer with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic. For fun, I play softball, music, and laugh, a lot!

I began working in the Meyers Lab as an REU intern in the summer of 2018. Upon graduating from the University of Minnesota with a BS in Plant Science the following Spring, I rejoined the lab as a Laboratory Technician. I currently specialize in plant transformation and gene editing with CRISPR/Cas9, helping the lab to knockout small RNA biosynthesis genes in plants like barley, wheat, Arabidopsis, and more. I love studying plant genetics, diversity, biotechnology, and molecular biology. When not on the bench, you can often find me exploring the St Louis metro as a Pokemon Go trainer, watching anime, hiking, or traveling the world.

I joined the Meyers lab in January 2020. I earned my Ph.D in Genetics from UC Davis in 2004, focusing on DNA repair in Arabidopsis. Since 2006, I've led the North American Arabidopsis Steering Committee (NAASC), and I first worked with Blake in 2009 when he was a NAASC member. My primary responsibilities are to assist with Blake's duties as Editor in Chief of The Plant Cell; I will also help with lab publications, grants, and other projects. I continue to manage NAASC, including organizing North American Arabidopsis conferences. In my spare time I go to the gym, spend time with my family, and work on progressive political causes. Twitter: @DiversifyPlants and @ICAR_2020.

I joined the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (DDPSC) in January 2020. As the lab’s Grant Specialist, I am responsible for ensuring successful grant submissions as well as post-award support to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. I have 25 years of experience in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. I hold an MBA from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Truman State University. I am also the president of the Skeptical Society of St. Louis, a grassroots organization which promotes science and critical thinking. I enjoy reading, sewing, gardening, going to concerts, and travel.

I joined the Meyers Lab in September 2011 as a Ph.D bioinformatics student after finishing my undergraduate degree in computer science at the University of Delaware that same year. During my time in the Meyers Lab, I have worked on a variety of projects utilizing computational analyses to characterize small RNAs and the effects that they have on plants. I have focused most extensively on the development of tools to identify miRNAs and predict and validate miRNA targets. Outside the lab, I enjoy working out, watching basketball and football, watching movies, reading, and spending time with my wife and family.

I joined the Meyers lab in August 2018 and will stay for one year as a visiting researcher. My research is focused on the function of small RNAs over plant-fungi interactions, and I believe it will provide a new strategy for crop breeding utilizing small RNAs. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, cooking and reading with my family.

I joined the Meyers lab in August 2013 after completing my master's degree in computer science at The University of Texas at San Antonio. My interests lie broadly in the development and application of computational approaches to solve biological problems. At Meyers lab, I am investigating a particular class of small RNAs (phasiRNAs) that are highly abundant in grass reproductive tissues. I use a number of computational approaches, including comparative genomics and machine learning, to characterize thousands of these phasiRNA producing loci across a diverse list of grass species.