The ACU Lab at Fresno State
What keeps us busy:
My research program involves graduate (M.S.) and undergraduate students. Our main research interests are: 1) molecular genetics of programmed cell death (PCD) in plants; 2) use of PCD in plant biotechnology; 3) PCD during sex determination in plants; 4) transgenic plant development and plant biotechnology; 5) Biofuels and other metabolites from algae. Currently we are focusing on the following projects:
Project 1. Novel alternatives for plant protection against nematodes: the use of programmed cell death and organic chalcones:
A major problem facing agricultural production in the San Joaquin Valley in California, as well as other agricultural centers of the world, is the management of nematode pests. Parasitic plant nematodes result in an estimated $10 billion a year loss to U.S. agriculture, and nearly $100 billion loss worldwide. Economic loss is not the only problem associated with plant pathogenic nematodes. The best defense against nematode pests is the use of methyl bromide, a chemical of great environmental hazard scheduled to be phased-out from U.S. agriculture and completely banned in the year 2005. Hence new approaches to control nematode pests that are both effective and environmentally friendly are urgently needed. In one approach we are addressing the possibility to use nematode cell suicide genes in transgenic plants as a mechanism to control nematode infestation. In a second approach, we are testing certain organic chalcones as effective chemicals to control plant parasitic nematodes.
Project 2. Algae for biofuel and secondary metabolite production
One goal of our lab is to investigate the feasibility of producing biodiesel from algae in waste water discharged by the local dairy and fruit processing industry. To achieve this objective we conduct research to optimize growth conditions in waste water by changing the environmental parameters and hence finding optimum conditions for algal growth in waste water. We also conduct research to identify bio-markers as indicators of oil production using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The lab also aims to increase the quantity and quantity of oil produced in the algae by genetic engineering.
Project 3. Development of molecular diagnostic tools for use in food and agriculture, and other industry related projects
Coming soon.
Project 4. Special collaboration with Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
Dr. Calderón-Urrea is an Adjunct Professor of Pratacultural Science in the College of Grassland Sciences at the Gansu Agricultural University. The collaboration includes research in plant pathology, particularly on plant-parasitic nematodes, and the promotion of academic and cultural exchange between the two Universities (Fresno State and Gansu Agricultural University).
Grant Support
Research:
Programmatic/Educational:
NIH-SuRE (R16) Award #: 1R16GM145429. Role: PI. Nematicidal Chalcones: A Genetic Approach to Uncovering the Action Mechanism. This project will contribute to the characterization of novel chalcone nematicidal agents needed to control parasitic nematodes in animals (including humans) and plants. Therefore, developing new nematicidal agents and understanding their mechanism of action is of paramount importance for human health.).
US Department of Education. Role: Co-PI. Finish in Five. PR Award #: P031M210039. The goal of this grant is to develop BS+MS blended programs. My role in the grant is to serve as the College of Science and Mathematics Coordinator for the grant.
US Department of Education. Role: Co-PI. STEAM: Enriched Pathways. PR Award #: PS031S200054. The goal of this grant is to democratize access to academic success for all students. The project creates efficient ‘guided pathways-plus’ for students to obtain bachelor’s degrees in STEAM. “STEAM” encompasses STEM disciplines as well as agricultural sciences because the latter is a huge economic engine in the region. My role in the grant is to serve as the College of Science and Mathematics Coordinator for the grant.
NIH. Role: Co-PI. Fresno State Bridges to Doctorate, UC-Davis.
Industry Projects:
We have worked with local industries to address some of their concerns. This is a list of some of the projects and companies we collaborated with recently.
Simonian Fruit Company: We worked on a project to extend the shelf life of pomegrate arils.
Del Rey Packing Company: We worked on a project to certify non-GMO products.
Wawona Frozen Foods and Lyons Magnus: We worked on a project to develop molecular diagnostic tools to identify food borne pathogens.