Dr. Jeongim Kim - Principal investigator
Dr. Kim is an associate professor in the Horticultural Sciences Department and a member of the Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology (PMCB) graduate program. She received her PhD at Purdue University studying auxin biosynthesis and plant abiotic stress physiology. During her post-doctoral training at Purdue, she studied phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and engaged in several projects aiming to increase biofuel production. She is interested in understanding molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic networks integrating plant stress responses and growth. Google Scholar
Dr. Keun H (Ken) Cho - Research Assistant
Dr. Ken Cho received his Doctor of Plant Medicine (2008) focused in Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Florida. He is an expert in Plant Tissue Culture, Gene cloning, Genetic transformation, Crop protection, and Microscopy. He is currently leading the PhytoDetective project.
Makou Lin - Ph.D. candidate
Makou first joined Dr. Kim's lab, in Summer 2022, as a temporary lab employee. Then later, was admitted to UF under Dr. Kim in the Fall of 2022, as a PhD student of the Plant Molecular and Cell Biology program. Graduated from the University of Central Florida in the Spring of 2022 with a B.S. in biology and two minors in chemistry and mathematical biology. His interests focus on plant metabolic pathways; ranging from auxin biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid metabolism, and other secondary metabolites. Apart from his work passion, he relishes in functional activities. From incorporating a new approach to better organize his assets to maintaining a strong and healthy mental and physical style of living, such as approaching life with an understanding yet determined mindset.
Ethan Tucker- ph.d. candidate
Ethan is a PhD student in the Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology program. He graduated from the University of Florida in 2023 with a B.S. in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology. Currently, he is interested in uncovering the complex metabolic networks plants utilize to deal with environmental stresses. Outside of the lab, he enjoys playing pickleball.
Anika Sackerlotzky-Undergraduate
Anika is a 2nd year undergraduate student majoring in plant sciences and double minoring in statistics and PMCB at UF. She is interested in studying plant genetics to develop better crops. Outside the lab she enjoys reading, baking, and dancing.
Noah Liss-Undergraduate
Noah is a third year Plant Science major and joined our lab in Jan 2025. He is from Tampa, Florida and has always had a love for plants and their fascinating features and adaptations. He enjoys nature, his ukulele and we may even find him skateboarding from place to place. He plans to go to grad school and study Plant Breeding!
Max Munro- Undergraduate Research Intern
Max is a recent graduate of the University of Florida, where he earned a B.S. in Plant Science. He is interested in plant specialized metabolism, particularly in medicinal plants, and in understanding how bioactive compounds are produced and regulated. In the lab, Max utilizes a range of analytical and biochemical approaches to study plant metabolites, with a strong emphasis on chromatographic analysis and quantitative measurement to support investigations of plant metabolic pathways. Outside of the lab, he enjoys reading, photography, playing the guitar, and fishing.
Jackson Foxworthy- Undergraduate Student
Jackson Foxworthy is an undergraduate senior from Miami, FL. My passion for plants stems from my love for the national parks. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and reading comics. In the future, I hope to continue on an academic path.
Seth Rosa - Undergraduate Student
Seth is a 4th year Plant Science student who transferred to UF during Spring 2025. From an early age, he enjoyed gardening and was always interested in the way plants contribute to society. Outside of the lab, he enjoys making music, reading, and meditating.
Vincent Li - Undergraduate Student
Vincent is a 4th year undergrad student majoring in biology with a minor in communication in UF. He is interested learning about medicinal plants. Outside the lab he enjoys reading, and cooking. He plans on going to medical school after graduating!
