Dr. Nora L. Lapitan

Research Interests

• I am interested in a fundamental understanding of how living organisms function at the level of the gene and genome. I have long been fascinated by the “intelligence” of the DNA – how its structure fits its function, and how the DNA evolves to respond to the needs of the organism. My research projects have focused on investigating genome organization, gene expression, and identification of genes involved in specific plant phenotypes, with emphasis on converting basic knowledge for practical use in improving plant crops. My current research projects include:
  
  
  • Molecular interaction between insects and cereal hosts.
    
    
  • DNA Marker development for economically important traits in wheat and barley and implementation in plant breeding.
    
    
  • Application of functional genomics and proteomics to understand plant-insect interaction and identify genes for complex traits in wheat and barley, including malting quality in barley.

Teaching Responsibilities

SC 740, Plant Molecular Genetics. This course covers advances in the study of the structure, function, and evolution of higher plant nuclear genomes, and presents cutting-edge technologies for genomic analysis and gene expression studies in plants.

Extension & Outreach

My research projects are tightly connected to breeding in wheat and barley. I work closely with Colorado wheat growers and barley breeders to develop solutions to problems facing breeders using molecular genetic tools and techniques. I train undergraduate students in molecular techniques as part of an NSF project to develop an undergraduate Bio-Math program.