Working on characterizing null mutant and complemented lines of the chloroplast small heat shock protein (sHSP). This project aims to shed light on the function of this conserved protein through phenotypic analysis. I am also working on studying the potential of GFP fusion constructs for rescuing normally lethal double mutants of ATAD3. Additionally, I am applying my skills as a mechanical engineering double major at the lab by designing an imaging chamber that will be used to quantify plant phenotypes. (Began Fall 2023). ashkurikhina’a’umass.edu
