Graham Jackson is an undergraduate student at Michigan State University and is spending two months conducting research at The Ohio State University through the OSU Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP). Graham's study investigates the genetic basis of cold tolerance in OPGC Begonia grandis, a unique species in the typically tropical Begonia genus that can survive temperatures as low as –20°C. Using RT-qPCR, Graham measured expression levels of accD and ufgT genes across a one-week cold treatment to identify their roles in cell rigidity and oxidative stress response. Understanding these mechanisms could enable the transfer of cold tolerance traits to other Begonia species, enhancing their horticultural value.
Graham is majoring in Genomics and Molecular Genetics at MSU and expects to graduate in December 2025.