Research Opportunity Number: GEO-03

Project Title: Exploring the Effects of Soil Salinity on Potassium Transport in Arabidopsis Thaliana

Project Summary: Potassium (K) transport in plants is crucial for various physiological processes, including enzyme activation, protein synthesis, and the regulation of stomatal movements which control water loss and CO2 uptake. K+ ions move across cell membranes via specific channels, carriers, and pumps, notably through the activity of the H+-ATPase pump that creates an electrochemical gradient facilitating K+ uptake. This transport is vital for maintaining turgor pressure in cells, which supports plant structure and growth. Elevated soil salinity significantly impacts K transport because high concentrations of sodium (Na+) ions in saline environments compete with K+ for uptake by plant roots. This competition can lead to K+ deficiency, even when K+ is sufficiently available in the soil. 

In this project, the intern will be involved in the growing, processing, and analysis of plants (Arabidopsis Thaliana) grown under hydroponic conditions in the lab. We will explore how plants change their strategies for K accumulation under elevated soil salinity.

Student Roles and Responsibilities: The intern will be trained in laboratory methods and involved in the laboratory work, reading of scientific papers, processing of data, and a presentation to the lab group. Basic laboratory techniques used will involve pipetting and weighing.

Additional Considerations: This project will involve the use of highly toxic substances and high voltage.

Department/Institute: Department of Geosciences

Participation Dates: July 15 – August 20, 2025

Stipend Offered: $0

Number of Internships Available: 0-1

Application Deadline: March 15, 2025, midnight Eastern Daylight Time