Blake Joyce

Graduate Student

bjoyce3@utk.edu

Education:
B.S. Ecology, The University of Georgia, Athens 2006
B.S. Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens 2006

Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in the Department of Plant Science:
            My thesis focuses on phytoremediation of metal contaminants in soils.  I am testing the ability of a new metal-binding protein to increase metal accumulation in plants using tobacco as a model system.  I am also working to develop transformation and tissue culture of two metal hyperaccumulating fern species: Pteris vittata and Pteris cretica.  I am also collaborating with Dr. Feng Chen and Dr. Hani Al-Ahmad to assess the potential of the genus Copaifera, also known as the diesel tree, as a new source of bioenergy.