We welcomed Professor Shan He to the Botany Department in Spring 2025. We asked her to answer a few questions to help us get to know her. Below are her answers.
Please describe your research.
My research focuses on the molecular mechanisms that regulate the photosynthetic algal CO₂-concentrating mechanism (CCM), which mediates approximately one-third of global CO₂ fixation and has great potential to be engineered to substantially increase crop yields. Our lab uses the well-established model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and interdisciplinary approaches, including genetics, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, and cell biology, to elucidate how algal cells detect environmental changes and activate their CCM through coordinated gene expression and protein modification. We are also interested in the regulation of the dynamic behaviors of the core algal CCM organelle, the pyrenoid, which is a model biomolecular condensate.
What should the general public know about your area of study? Why is it significant?
About one-third of global CO₂ fixation is mediated by the photosynthetic algal CO₂-concentrating mechanism (CCM). Engineering this mechanism into crops holds significant potential to substantially increase yields. The algal CCM is tightly regulated, ensuring efficient energy use and adaptation to environmental conditions. A deep understanding of its regulation will not only advance our knowledge of the global carbon cycle but also guide efforts to optimize engineered algal CCM for agricultural and ecological applications.
How did you get interested in your subject?
My introduction to biology came at the age of seven through a children’s science TV program, where I first encountered the word “photosynthesis.” I was immediately captivated by plants’ ability to produce food for all life on Earth and became curious about the magic behind this process.
Driven by childhood curiosity, a passion for biology, and a deep respect for plants, I majored in bioscience and biotechnology in college and later earned my Ph.D. in plant molecular biology from Peking University. Following my Ph.D., I joined Prof. Martin Jonikas’s laboratory at Princeton University, where I was excited to study photosynthesis in an often-overlooked yet globally impactful group of photosynthetic organisms – eukaryotic algae. My research focused on the molecular basis of the algal CO₂-concentrating mechanism (CCM).
During my postdoctoral research, I noticed that the algal CCM is inducible and only activated when necessary to save energy. However, the regulatory mechanisms behind it remain poorly understood. As I establish my research lab, I am determined to explore how algal cells respond to external signals such as CO₂ to activate the algal CCM at the gene and protein levels. This research will contribute to addressing global challenges in food security and climate change while promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.
What is the biggest challenge in your area of study?
One major challenge is that many regulatory components of the algal CCM remain unknown. We know that the CCM is controlled at multiple levels, including transcriptional, post-translational, and structural, but we still lack a full map of how these layers are integrated. Another challenge lies in studying the dynamic regulatory events that change rapidly in response to CO₂ and light, processes that require both sensitive tools and creative experimental design.
Why are you most excited to join the Botany faculty?
The Department of Botany at UW–Madison has an incredible history of discovery in photosynthesis and plant cell biology. I’m thrilled to join a community that values fundamental biological questions and interdisciplinary collaboration. The department’s strong culture of mentorship makes it an ideal environment in which to launch my independent research program.
If you weren’t in your field or academia, what would you be doing?
I might be an illustrator, designer, or artist. When I was young, I actually dreamed of being an artist, a writer, a teacher, an actress, or a manager, but never a scientist. Now, as a PI at a public university, I have the opportunity to fulfill my childhood dream of working in all these occupations.
Do you have any hidden talents?
My hands are very dexterous. When I was young, I enjoyed making exquisite handicrafts. During my PhD, I was able to learn and perform very sophisticated and skillful experiments.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy traveling to places rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. I also love art, music, fine food, and all the beautiful things created by nature and humanity.
What’s your favorite plant?
As producers, all plants are remarkable and deserving of respect. However, the plants I have grown and cared for the most are Arabidopsis thaliana 😉 I also like the adorable unicellular “plant” Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. I have Zanzibar Gem and Golden Pothos in my office now, which are much easier to grow.
What is your favorite part of field / lab work?
I love the moment when a hypothesis turns into a clear experimental result. Sometimes you pursue the answer to a scientific question for quite a long time, and after all your hard work, you finally find the answer, and at that moment, you are the only one who ever knows this secret of nature. It feels as if you have been selected to receive a precious gift from nature and entrusted with the mission to share it with others who also care, whether at the same time or long after.
What is your least favorite part of field / lab work?
Before everything becomes clear, there may be lots of struggle and waiting. Troubleshooting can be frustrating, but it is a crucial part of getting closer to the truth and unraveling the mystery.
Are there any traditions you plan to introduce to your lab?
Both my former labs celebrated birthdays for every lab member with lab parties. We also had regular lab lunches and lab trips. I plan to introduce these traditions to my lab.
What are your favorite memories from your time in grad school?
I was in a very large lab with dozens of students during my PhD training. Students often work closely together in both our academic and personal lives. Even after spreading all over the world following graduation, we still keep in touch and visit each other whenever we have the chance.