Dirk Winkelman

I received my B.S. from Iowa State in 2019 where I double majored in Biochemistry and Genetics. Since the spring of 2020 I have been a member of two lab groups, working both with Dr. Marna Yandeau-Nelson and Dr. Basil Nikolau. I decided to join the labs because I felt that together they gave me a great opportunity to combine my passions for both biochemistry and genetics. My official graduate major is Biochemistry, and I typically have worked to biochemically characterize maize genes involved in cuticular lipid biosynthesis by heterologously expressing them in E. coli and yeast. Additionally, I get to apply genetics practices in the field to develop and analyze maize plants carrying mutations in my genes of interest.

Research and Career goals: After I get my Ph.D. my goal is to manage my own research group one day. I think that a position at a university would not only allow me to continue my love for research, but also would put me in a position to provide mentorship to the next generation of students to help prepare them for their own careers in science. 

Areas of expertise: Heterologous expression and purification of maize proteins, maize genetics and plant breeding

Graduate Major: Biochemistry