About the Lab

We aspire to understand the basic mechanisms of plant growth and simultaneously leverage this knowledge to impact yield and nutrient content in agriculturally important crops. We utilize a broad based research program that incorporates a variety of model systems to conduct both basic and translational research. A large amount of our work has focused the regulation, and biochemical properties of cation exchanger (CAX) transporters.
Currently, we are excited about discerning their roles in flooding tolerance. What makes the group unique is our ability to leverage our science for nutritional improvements in plants. To create better foods to address global food security issues is a lengthy process; however, it must include rigorous nutritional studies. Our lab has demonstrated the ability to integrate plant biology and nutritional studies using animal and human feeding studies.
Primary Investigator
View Dr. Kendal Hirschi's bio for details on his interests in the area of nutritional improvement of agriculturally important crops.
USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center
The Hirschi Lab is part of the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center which houses laboratories, state-of-the-art equipment, a greenhouse, observation labs, research volunteer accommodations, a metabolic kitchen, and an elite group of research scientists.
Lab Projects
Work done on the lab bench often entails characterizing the genes, RNA and proteins expressed in our plant varieties. View a listing and information about our current projects in the Hirschi Lab.
Publications
Our research projects and studies result in publications in PubMed and other scientific journals.
Lab Socials
Kendal and his team have many team bonding opportunities outside the lab that includes flying, fun and family.
Plant Integration
The Hirschi Lab provides a unique perspective integrating fundamental plant science with basic nutrition research.
Lab Tour
Take a virtual video tour of the Hirschi Lab to hear from our lab members and visit the lab facilities and greenhouse.
Contact Us
Texas Medical Center
Children's Nutrition Research Center
1100 Bates Ave.
Houston, TX 77030
Appointments: (713) 798-7011
Lab: (713) 798-7039
Email: kendalh@bcm.edu