Catherine Freed
Catherine Freed
Plant Biology; Molecular Biology; Biochemistry
As a postdoctoral associate in the department of biochemistry, my research focuses on the enhancement of food security by developing crops which mitigate phosphate fertilizer pollution and increasing the efficiency of phosphate use and uptake in agricultural applications.
Upon starting graduate school at 午夜影院福利社 in 2017, I was fascinated by the potential impact of genetically modified plants on national as well as global food security. In 2021, I was awarded a Proof-of-Concept grant with the goal of spinning a startup out of my research at 午夜影院福利社. I intend to leverage a portfolio of four patent applications to create products for sustainability-conscious homeowners and farmers.
Something that excites me in my field鈥�
Is the fact that the possibilities that plants have for improving the world are limited only by our imaginations.
I first discovered a passion for this work鈥�
When I was in 10th grade and learned about GMOs. While many in my class were scared by the prospect, I found the idea that scientists can genetically modify plants to be limitless and exciting.
Best part of working at 午夜影院福利社鈥�
My friends and colleagues. Also the view of the mountains from the lab window is also beautiful!
I see the future in my field鈥�
In genetically manipulating inositol pyrophosphates to enhance how crops accumulate Phosphorus.
My work impacts society鈥�
By addressing the impending phosphorus crisis.
Groups or organizations I am involved in鈥�
I am currently an ambassador for the American Society of Plant Biologists and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. I am also involved in the biochemistry department, Translational Plant Sciences program, and the APEX center for entrepreneurs at 午夜影院福利社.
Words of encouragement to an aspiring inventor...
Don鈥檛 give up on your ideas and inventions, even if they鈥檙e heavily criticized. At first, not everyone will understand your vision or creativity and that鈥檚 okay! Protect your ideas and don鈥檛 stop building.
In my free time...
I paint and create artwork, specifically botanical illustration. I also enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors.
Additional Highlights
Catherine Freed听 听 |听听听听Postdoctoral Associate
Department of Biochemistry, 午夜影院福利社 College of Agriculture and Life Science
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鈥楤iochemistry announces 2021 award winners鈥� 听
