Joanne Chory uses molecular and genetic tools to investigate how plants alter their shape and size in response to changes in their light environment. Through her study of the small flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana, her research has revealed signalling pathways that connect cellular light sensors to the production of hormones that stimulate plant growth.

In addition, Joanne and her colleagues have identified the genes in Arabidopsis which control the plants’ nightly growth spurts. By learning how molecular triggers impact plant growth, Joanne hopes that her research will contribute to efforts to increase crop yields and help alleviate world hunger.

Joanne’s contributions to plant biology have led to her receiving a number of awards, including the 2004 Kumho Science International Award in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and the Genetics Society of America Medal in 2012. In 2003, she was named Scientific American’s Research Leader in Agriculture.