Team

Ignacio Sparrow Muñoz

graduate student

is13 [at] illinois [dot] edu
he/him/his

I am a 3rd year PhD candidate in the Burgess lab. I work on developing and applying synthetic biology tools, especially (continuous) directed evolution, for the improvement of photosynthetic enzymes. At this moment, my main interest is on soybean SBPase.
Outside the lab, I enjoy martial arts, sleep, and tea.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ignaciosparrow/
OrcID: 0000-0002-1157-1891

Stephanie Cullum

graduate student

scullum [at] illinois [dot] edu
she/her/hers

I am using applied biotechnology techniques to engineer photosynthetic organisms to enhance their adaptation to environmental stress and fluctuations. Additionally, I wish to explore the influences of gene activity in photosynthesis through genetic programming and molecular analysis.

Sarah S. Chung

graduate student

sohyeon2 [at] illinois [dot] edu
she/her/hers

I’m studying the factors influencing the efficiency of photosynthesis under fluctuating light conditions. My current project focuses on the rate and mechanism of photosynthetic induction in Miscanthus. Outside the lab, I enjoy baking, knitting, and spending time with my wonderful cat, Bear. What excites me most about research is its potential to benefit future generations and underserved communities.

Ryan Boyd

research scientist

raboyd2 [at] illinois [dot] edu
he/him/his

I’m interested in the response of photosynthesis to temperature and fluctuating light. Currently, I’m investigating the role of Rubisco Activase isoforms in the temperature response of C4 grasses.

Kiyo and “Rambo” Raya

Supervisor

Responsible for morale, expert at supervising work and enforcement of rest time.

Bear

Drill sergeant

Responsible for cuteness, expert at guilt-tripping you into abandoning your laptop.