Dr. Yoon Jeong Jang holds a Ph.D. in Plant Biology, with a thesis focused on establishing a reference genome using third-generation sequencing to study anthracnose resistance in watermelon (Citrullus spp.) 🍉🔬. For her M.S., she constructed a high-density genetic map and conducted QTL analysis on seed size in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) 🌱📊. Her B.S. research explored the effects of 2,4-D concentration on callus induction from immature embryos in the ‘Mibaek’ maize variety (Zea mays L.) 🌽🧬. Her work contributes significantly to genetic research in plant resistance, crop improvement, and biotechnology.

Positions and Employment

Dr. Yoon Jeong Jang is currently a Research Professor in the Department of Plant Science and Technology at Chung-Ang University, Republic of Korea, since December 2023. She works under the guidance of Prof. Gung Pyo Lee. Prior to this, Dr. Jang was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Florida (2021-2023), focusing on strawberry molecular genetics and genomics in the Strawberry Molecular Genetics & Genomics Laboratory. Before her time in Florida, she also held a postdoctoral position at Chung-Ang University (2020-2021). Her research contributions span plant science and horticultural genetics. 🌱🔬🍓👩‍🔬

Presentations

Dr. Yoon Jeong Jang is a prominent researcher in the field of horticulture and plant genetics. His work includes significant contributions to strawberry and watermelon breeding, particularly focusing on disease resistance. Notable studies include a genome-wide association study for anthracnose resistance in watermelon 🍉 and a haplotype-phased genome assembly for disease resistance in strawberries 🍓. He has also led studies on genetic maps, marker-assisted seedling selection, and transcriptome analysis. Dr. Jang’s research integrates forward and reverse genetics, somaclonal variation, and gene cloning techniques, contributing to advancements in agricultural sciences and horticultural practices 🌱🔬.

Awards

Dr. Yoon Jeong Jang has received notable recognition for her academic achievements. She was awarded the Certificate of Recognition by the Gulf Coast Postdoc and Student Association in Spring 2023 🌟. In addition, Dr. Jang earned the Best Oral Presentation Award at the Conference of the Korean Society for Horticultural Science in Spring 2018 🏆. Earlier in her career, she also received the Best Poster Presentation Award at the same conference in Spring 2014 🎉. Her accomplishments reflect her dedication and contribution to the field of horticultural science 🌱.

Research Focus

Dr. Yoon Jeong Jang’s research primarily focuses on plant genetics, genomics, and molecular biology, with a particular emphasis on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and other cucurbits. His studies explore the molecular mechanisms behind disease resistance, such as anthracnose and powdery mildew, as well as traits like drought tolerance and dwarfism. He utilizes transcriptome profiling, genetic linkage mapping, and virus-induced gene silencing to identify key genes and markers for these traits. His work also investigates the role of non-synonymous SNPs in plant resistance and the functional validation of genes involved in various plant processes 🌱🧬💧🌿🔬.

Publication Top Notes

Transcriptome profiling of differentially expressed genes in floral buds and flowers of male sterile and fertile lines in watermelon

An evolutionarily conserved non-synonymous SNP in a leucine-rich repeat domain determines anthracnose resistance in watermelon

Identification of a causal pathogen of watermelon powdery mildew in Korea and development of a genetic linkage marker for resistance in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

Identification of the subgenomic promoter of the coat protein gene of cucumber fruit mottle mosaic virus and development of a heterologous expression vector

Overexpression of Arabidopsis nucleolar GTP-binding 1 (NOG1) proteins confers drought tolerance in rice

Construction of a genetic linkage map using a frame set of simple sequence repeat and high-resolution melting markers for watermelon (Citrullus spp.)