Contact: marsmart@gmail.com
Position: Post doctoral research fellow
Research projects:
Searching for novel thermophilic enzymes for the breakdown of lignocellulose to assist bio-ethanol production.
Publications:
Smart M and Roden LC (2010). A small-scale RNA isolation protocol useful for high-throughput extractions from recalcitrant plants. South African Journal of Botany 76 (2): 375-379.
Conference Outputs:
Paper presentations
2008: Floral meristem identity, morphology and gene profiling in Proteaceae. Bio-08 (SASBMB), Grahamstown, South Africa
2005: Carbohydrates, genes and flowering in Protea spp. Fynbos Forum, Port Elizabeth, South Africa – Best student paper presentation award
2004: Flowering in Protea spp. SANCRA (South African New Crop Research Association), Elsenburg, South Africa
Poster presentations
2007: Expression patterns of a LFY homologue, ProLFY, and meristem identity in the Protea hybrid ‘Carnival’ (P.compacta x P.neriifolia). ASPB, Chicago, USA
2004: Flower initiation in commercial Protea species – a molecular approach. IPUF (Indigenous Plant Use Forum), Clanwilliam, South Africa
Who am I:
I recently joined IMBM from UCT after completing my PhD on the initiation of flowering in Protea. I am passionate about science as a whole and love a challenge and adventure.
