Presenter: Dr. James Rauschendorfer, Biotech Program Coordinator at STLCC

As a researcher, James Rauschendorfer specialized in plant genetics and molecular biology. He earned his MS and PhD from Michigan Technological University, where his work focused on forest genetics and biotechnology.

His research contributed to the development of the full-length cDNA overexpression (FOX) hunting system for poplar mutagenesis, characterized the role of the Lonely Guy 1 (LOG1) gene in secondary wood formation, and examined how speciation shapes gene expression in oak species.

He later completed postdoctoral research in cassava tissue culture and genetic transformation, developing expertise in plant biotechnology techniques.

He currently serves as Program Coordinator for Biotechnology at St. Louis Community College, where he focuses on workforce development, applied biotechnology education, and building partnerships between academic programs and the regional bioscience industry.

In this lecture, he will explain how Agrobacterium tumefaciens is used as a tool to genetically modify plants for research and agricultural applications.