Education

• Postdoc in Molecular Farming, University of Hohenheim, Germany
• Postdoc in Plant Pathology, Iowa State Universtiy, Ames, IA
• Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
• M.S. Biochemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
• B.S. Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany

Teaching Interests

• Introduction to Biotechnology (840:119)
• Molecular Biology (840:130)
• Recombinant DNA Techniques (850:153g)
• Coroprate/Industrial Problem Solving (820:215)
  

Research Interests

I am interested in plant biotechnology, in particular engineering plants for improved composition of phytopharmaceuticals. My primary focus in the hop plant which contains very potent phytoestrogens and anti-cancer compounds. For more info see my webpage.

keywords: plant science, biotechnology, genetic engineering, synthetic biology, transgenic plant, agrobacterium, gene gun, biodiversity, molecular marker, genomics, transcriptomics, in vitro culture, micropropagation, tissue culture, flavonoid metabolism, betalain biosynthesis, plant natural product, medicinal plant, phytoestrogen, antioxidant, cactaceae, cannabinaceae, molecular pharming, molecular farming, functional food

Professional Accomplishments

• coming soon

Responsibilities

• Coordinator of the Professional Science Master in Biotechnology
• Biotechnology Club
• Biology Website Management

International Experience

• Teaching appointment at the University of Costa Rica in 2005
• Student trip to Costa Rica in 2004
• 6 years postdoctoral research in Germany (University of Hohenheim)
• B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. obtained in Germany

Grants History

• UNI summer research fellowship (2008)
• $25,000 lab support by Hopsteiner, Inc. (2008)
  
• $20,000 lab support by Hopsteiner, Inc. (2007)
• $77,220 Battelle Funding (2006)

Languages

• german (native speaker)
• basic spanish
• some french

Community Engagement

• member of the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB)
• member of the American Botanical Council (ABC)
• member of the biobricks foundation
• scientific mentor in Plantingscience.org
  

Skills and Competencies

• Curriculum Development
• Database Design and Development
• Grant Preparation
• Language Translation
• Program Evaluation
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Website Development and Maintenance

This page on Biology Department Website...

I am Axel Schwekendiek; I want to make changes to the above information...