Prof. Chi-Lien Cheng, Plant Biology, Best Researcher Award
Professor at The University of Iowa, United States
Summary:
Prof. Chi-Lien Cheng is a distinguished molecular geneticist renowned for her contributions to plant biology, particularly in ferns such as Ceratopteris richardii. With a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the University of Connecticut and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Molecular Genetics from Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital, Prof. Cheng has held various positions at the University of Iowa’s Biology Department, where she currently serves as a Professor. Her research interests encompass molecular mechanisms underlying plant growth, reproduction, and development, with a focus on elucidating the roles of genes and signaling pathways. Prof. Cheng’s work has significant implications for understanding fundamental principles in plant biology and evolutionary processes.
Professional Profile:
Education:
Prof. Chi-Lien Cheng earned her Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States, in May 1982. Prior to that, she pursued a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Molecular Genetics at Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, from June 1982 to June 1989.
Professional Experience:
Prof. Chi-Lien Cheng has cultivated a distinguished career in academia, primarily at the University of Iowa’s Biology Department. Commencing as an Assistant Professor in 1990, she progressively advanced to the position of Associate Professor, which she held for two decades until 2017 when she assumed the role of Professor. During her tenure, Prof. Cheng also undertook a Visiting Scientist position at North Carolina State University’s Department of Genetics from 1989 to 1990, enriching her expertise in the field. Her extensive professional journey has been marked by a relentless dedication to molecular genetics, with a focus on plant physiology and development, exemplified by her numerous scholarly contributions and impactful research findings.
Research Interest:
Prof. Chi-Lien Cheng’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular genetics, plant physiology, and development. She is particularly fascinated by the molecular mechanisms underlying plant growth, reproduction, and development, with a focus on ferns such as Ceratopteris richardii. Prof. Cheng’s work delves into understanding the roles of various genes and signaling pathways in regulating key processes in plant biology, including meristem maintenance, reproductive transition, and vegetative phase change. Through her research, she aims to uncover fundamental principles governing plant development and to contribute to the broader understanding of evolutionary biology.