Empowering Future Scientists Through Innovation: Dr. Shujun Ou’s Work in Plant Genomics at The Ohio State University

Dr. Shujun Ou, Assistant Professor in Computational Biology at The Ohio State University, is at the forefront of research on the evolutionary and adaptive roles of transposable elements (TEs) in plants. His lab investigates how TEs respond to environmental changes. Particularly temperature and other abiotic stresses to better understand their role in shaping plant adaptation and evolution. Through the integration of long-read sequencing, molecular genetics, controlled-environment experiments, population genomics, and custom developed computational tools, Dr. Ou’s research spans multiple species including maize, rice, Arabidopsis, tomato, and a diverse array of non-model organisms.

The ultimate goal of this research is not only academic but profoundly practical: to translate genomic insights into the development of climate-resilient crops. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly erratic, Dr. Ou’s work holds great promise for ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture in the future.

Innovation in Undergraduate Education: “Plant Genomics Anytime, Anywhere”

Complementing his cutting-edge research, Dr. Ou is deeply committed to undergraduate education and experiential learning. He leads the “Plant Genomics Anytime, Anywhere” program, an initiative designed to make plant genomics research accessible to undergraduate and even high school students, regardless of their location or academic background. Supported by a seed grant from Ohio State’s Office of Academic Enrichment Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry, as well as his own startup funding, the program leverages a high-performance compute server now integrated into the university’s ASC Unity cluster.

Students participating in the program receive one-on-one mentorship from Dr. Ou, with research engagements ranging from a summer to several years. Through independent studies and research projects, students can earn academic credit while building critical skills in plant genomics, data analysis, and computational biology. This flexible and inclusive approach reflects Dr. Ou’s belief in expanding research opportunities beyond traditional lab environments.

The “Plant Genomics Anytime, Anywhere” program was recently highlighted in the ASC Teaching with Technology Learning Community, showcasing how innovative uses of technology can transform undergraduate research and education.

Teaching and Course Development

Dr. Ou also contributes to the academic curriculum through teaching and course development. He co-teaches MOLGEN 5645: Quantitative, Population, and Evolutionary Genetics with Dr. Mark Seeger and is actively co-developing and co-teaching a new course, MOLGEN 5795: Genomic Data Analysis, with Dr. Amrit Singh. Both courses offer students the opportunity to build foundational and advanced skills in genomics and data science areas critical to modern biological research.

Although the “Plant Genomics Anytime, Anywhere” program has not yet been formally integrated into these courses, Dr. Ou envisions future opportunities for students in these classes to extend their learning through participation in the program.

A Vision for the Future

Through a unique combination of advanced research, personalized mentorship, and curriculum development, Dr. Shujun Ou exemplifies the mission of The Ohio State University: advancing knowledge and educating the next generation of scientific leaders. As the challenges of our climate intensify, Dr. Ou’s efforts to understand plant genomic adaptation and to train students to meet these challenges are more relevant and more vital than ever.