Advancing Photosynthesis Research
Explore natural photosynthesis with expert-led training and research.
St. Louis, MO, USA
Our Mission
Photosynthesis is the central biological process that is the source of energy for all photosynthetic organisms and, via the food chain, for almost all other forms of life. In addition, the vast majority of energy used by mankind today is the legacy of ancient photosynthesis in the form of coal, oil, and natural gas. Knowledge of the mechanism of photosynthesis is crucial for obtaining an abundant food supply and cheap, dependable sources of energy. We study the molecular mechanism of the action of light triggered events in photosynthetic membranes, specifically, the protein dynamics adapted for light scheme in the context with specific cellular energetic status. We use mass spectrometry, molecular spectrophotometry, and molecular biology, to ask basic biophysical questions of proteins/protein complexes in response to specific environmental stimuli.
Lab news
Congratulations to Dr. Youngwoo Lee ! who won the The Sahyadri Award for Outstanding Plant Postdoc(s), 2026, The Sahyadri Award for Outstanding Plant Postdoc(s) recognizes exceptional postdoctoral researchers in plant science–related fields who are currently on the U.S. academic job market. Awardees receive an honorarium, present at the Sahyadri Symposium, and are paired with a faculty mentor who will provide guidance and support throughout the academic job search process. Briefly, At Saint Louis University, Youngwoo now integrates proteomics and structural biology to characterize the interaction architecture of photosynthetic protein complexes. His research aims to understand how protein organization shapes cellular function and plant phenotypes. Well deserved!
Lab news
Congratulations to Kellie Ji (second to left), a Ladue high school sophomore, who is very interested in basic biological research, has completed her internship in 2026 summer with all of our researchers.
Lab news
Welcome Dipti Sonkar, a Ph.D candidate in Palacky University, Faculty of Biophysics, CZ, joining our group probing the molecular mechanism of Reactive Oxygen Species damaging in Photosystem II using mass spectrometry
Lab news
- Congratulations to Anna Williams ! who won the second place 3MT®competition for doctoral students sponsored by the Office of Graduate Education
Lab news
- Congratulations to Anna Williams, now a Ph.D candidate. Anna successfully passed her written and oral examination this year and now an official Ph.D candidate!