We welcomed Professor Jack Satterlee to the Botany Department in Spring 2025. We asked him to answer a few questions to help us get to know him. Below are his answers.
Please describe your research.
I’m fascinated by plants’ remarkable ability to adapt their morphology to solve diverse challenges. Across evolution, many plant lineages have independently converged on similar structural innovations. One striking example is prickles—sharp, epidermal outgrowths that deter herbivores and have evolved repeatedly in species ranging from roses to eggplants. In the Satterlee Lab, we use recurring traits like prickles, and other convergent morphological adaptations, to uncover the genetic and molecular rules that govern how plants evolve new forms. Our research shows that these independently evolved structures often rely on the same underlying genes and developmental pathways, despite originating millions of years apart. We are now working to understand how this remarkable re-use of genetic programs occurs and how insights from nature’s own experiments in innovation can help us tune plant growth and development for improved agriculture.
What should the general public know about your area of study? Why is it significant?
Some of the most important applied breakthroughs in the life sciences have grown out of basic research—simply trying to understand how the natural world works. For example, the CRISPR gene-editing system emerged from studies of an obscure bacterial immune mechanism. As scientists, nature is our most powerful teacher. By uncovering how evolution has shaped the incredible diversity of plant forms, we can discover new ways to improve crop yields, engineer beneficial traits, and build plant species and ecosystems that are more resilient to climate change.
How did you get interested in your subject?
As an undergraduate, I knew I liked science and biology but had no real concept of what a research biologist did. I was fortunate to participate in a Research Experience for Undegraduates (REU) funded by the National Science Foundation at UT-Knoxville during a summer in college. My project focused on the molecular control of plant circadian rhythms, how plant cells keep time. It opened my eyes to what biologists do on a day-to-day basis and got me interested in attending graduate school. Since then, a mix of curiosity, luck, and the opportunity to work with incredibly talented mentors and colleagues has guided my path toward studying plant development and evolution.
What is the biggest challenge in your area of study?
Many of the traits we are interested in are not found in common model plant systems like Arabidopsis. To understand how new traits evolve, we often work with less-studied species in the genus Solanum, including eggplant, potato, and tomato. While new genetic and molecular tools are making it possible to ask detailed mechanistic questions in these systems, the work is slower and we bounce between the lab, greenhouses, and even agricultural fields. This all requires persistence and also a healthy appreciation for adventure.
Why are you most excited to join the Botany faculty?
It’s fun to come to work each day and think and talk about plants and biology. I love being surrounded by people who share that curiosity and enthusiasm. It’s especially rewarding to see new members of the lab begin developing their own projects and following their scientific interests
If you weren’t in your field or academia, what would you be doing?
Growing up I had an obsession with SimCity. My guess is, like my dad, I would have been a city planner or maybe an architect.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I used to do choral singing. It was fun, but no, I don’t plan to bring that talent to lab meetings.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I really like the outdoors. I’m a big fan of downhill skiing but am excited to try out cross country. I also enjoy backpacking.
What’s your favorite plant?
I’m a big fan of bur oaks. I think the oak savannas of the Midwest are beautiful and the bur oak’s resistance to fire is pretty amazing.
What is your favorite part of field / lab work?
Finally getting an experiment to work successfully after troubleshooting is a really satisfying feeling. Also, the feeling of having a shower after a long day working in the field is unbeatable.
What is your least favorite part of field / lab work?
When that experiment isn’t working or your exciting hypothesis is unsupported. It’s always frustrating in the moment, but that’s part of science. What keeps me going is the excitement of coming up with a new idea or approach and diving back in to test it all over again.
Are there any traditions you plan to introduce to your lab?
I’d love to start a lab retreat tradition. Even if it’s just spending a day outdoors somewhere in Wisconsin, it’s a great way to step back from the lab, enjoy nature, and reconnect as a group outside of the academic routine.
What are your favorite memories from your time in grad school?
My favorite memories from graduate school are the times I spent with my labmates and fellow grad students, some of whom have become lifelong friends. Whether it was traveling together to conferences or taking trips up to the Adirondacks, those shared experiences and friendships were some of the most meaningful parts of my training.