Patrick Herron

Research Interests:

Physiology of Cuscuta sp.

My current work examines the response of Cuscuta gronovii and Cuscuta pentagona to blue and far-red light exposure. Research has shown in a variety of Cuscuta species that phytochrome plays a role in coiling and development of haustoria. We are currently investigating the interaction between this phytochrome system and the set of traits controlling haustorial development intrinsic to each of the Cuscuta species.

Invasive Plants:

Effective management of introduced species requires the early identification of species that pose a significant threat of becoming invasive. To better understand the invasive ecology of species in New England, my co-authors Chris Martine, Andrew Latimer and Stacey Leicht and I compiled a character data set with which to compare non-native species that are known invaders to non-native species that are not currently known to be invasive. We used a Bayesian hierarchical analysis to construct a model that correctly classified invasive plants 67% of the time, and non-invasive plants 95% of the time. We then used the model to identify a number of potential future invasive species in New England that deserve management consideration.

Microbial biosensors- An enlightened rhizosphere community:

Microbial biosensors designed with the luxCDABE reporter genes (that code for light- emitting proteins) fused to a promoter of interest offer the opportunity for continuous measurements of environmental conditions from the soil. We use the common soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440 as host to the plasmid pZKH2 that contains a fusion between the strong constituitive promoter npt and the lux genes that reports on energy availability to the bacteria. After testing the biosensor response extensively in liquid media, we the biosensor in microcosms filled with non-sterile soil in which Zea mays L. was growing. Using a very sensitive CCD-camera to view light production through the glass sides of the microcosm, we detected temporal and spatial patterns in carbon availability. Biosensors demonstrated pulses of bacteria growth near the root tips likely associated with the release of carbon. The biosensors were able to continuously report from around roots for as long as six days at a time with the ability to follow bacterial activity in real time around growing roots.

Microbial processes in dry soils:

My interests revolve around the physiology of plant roots and strategies for most efficient capture of nutrients and water from the soil. At the macro scale, I have been examining the influence of hydraulic redistribution on nutrient processes in the shallow soils. As a part of this effort, my coauthors, John Stark and Zoe Cardon, and I have developed a technique to inject isotopically-labeled acetic acid vapor into soils to explore microbial growth efficiencies. Work is ongoing to understand the role that hydraulic redistribution may have on allowing microbes access to nitrogen, carbon and water.

Professional Interests:

Science Education:

Informal science education is gaining recognition for having great value in developing student interest and abilities in the sciences (see a recent report by the National Research Council). I spend part of my time considering new ways to expose K-12 students to science in an extracurricular format outside of schools. What space or model is there between a traditional school setting and a traditional museum environment to help foster and develop a student interest in science? How can we improve outreach by researchers to the local community or public in general? In that light, please contact me if you know of novel or particularly effective programs that are tackling this program or you have a particular interest.

Curriculum vitae: (pdf)

Publications:

Mentoring and Outreach:

Undergraduate Mentoring Experience

Outreach