Guanqun(Gavin) Chen, PhD
Contact
Associate Professor, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci - Ag, Food & Nutri Sci Dept
- gc24@ualberta.ca
- Phone
- (780) 492-3148
- Address
-
410 Agriculture/Forestry Centre
9011 - 116 St NWEdmonton ABT6G 2P5
Overview
Area of Study / Keywords
plant lipid biotechnology oilseed crop canola oleaginous microorganisms
Research
The ongoing projects in the Plant Lipid Biotechnology lab have both basic and applied contents. We aim to
(1) enhance our understanding of storage lipid formation
(2) develop novel genetic engineering strategies for increasing oil yield and producing value-added specialty oils in higher plants and some microorganisms (e.g. microalgae and yeast), and
(3) develop oil crops with improved agronomic characteristics (e.g. abiotic and biotic stress tolerance of canola, seed yield and quality).
In addition, we are also collaborating with colleagues on other projects such as improving oil content and stress tolerance in forage crops.
Teaching
Plants for Bioproducts (PL SC 345) and Lipid Science (AFNS414 & AFNS514).
Courses
AFNS 500 - Individual Study
Project or reading course under the supervision of a Faculty member requiring preparation of a comprehensive report. Prerequisite: consent of Department. Note: May be taken more than once provided the topic is different.
PL SC 345 - Plants for Bioproducts
Agronomy, breeding, biochemistry, biotechnology, and ecological issues related to production of plants for bioproducts. Topics selected from biodiesel, fuel ethanol, biolubricants, bioplastic, platform biochemicals, and starch and protein for nonfood applications. Prerequisite: BIOL 107, PL SC 221, or CHEM 164.