PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Graham Peers
graham.peers@colostate.edu
Graham Peers Curriculum Vitae
My primary research interests are: photosynthetic efficiency, how photosynthesis is regulated in a dynamic environment and algal stress physiology. Researchers in the laboratory employ forward and reverse genetics, ‘omics approaches and detailed physiology to investigate these areas. We are particularly interested how these processes differ across the vast evolutionary diversity of algal and cyanobacterial clades.
I teach a wide variety of courses from general cell biology to a hands-on marine research course in Baja California Sur, Mexico. This reflects the diversity of my training as a scientist (from oceanography to applied molecular biology). I strive to illustrate the Nature of Science through the application of critical analyses and experimental design in my coursework and mentorship.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Andrew Paton
I am currently a PhD candidate in the Peers Lab researching the biosynthesis of xanthophyll cycle pigments in the diatom alga Phaeodactylum tricornutum. My interest lies in how the products and effects of photosynthesis interact with algal metabolism and how genetic tools can be used to study and shift that balance. I hope to use this knowledge to improve the production of food, medicine, and fuel with algae, as well as further our understanding of algae in the natural world.
Conor Bertucci
My master’s research in the Peers lab involved identifying microalgal strains with high biomass productivity and tolerance to a wide temperature range for growth using industrial flue gas as a sustainable carbon source. The most successful strains will undergo random mutagenesis to enhance resilience to flue gas while preserving biomass. The final strains will be scaled-up to cultivate in 1000L raceway ponds for production of algal biomass for applications such as carbon nanofiber supercapacitor electrodes and black ink. .
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS
Brandon Rohnke
I am a postdoctoral research fellow in the Peers lab with a research focus on carbon concentrating mechanisms found in photosynthetic microorganisms. My current work focuses on improving the carbon fixation capabilities of algae used for biofuel production. I earned my Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Michigan State University, then served as an American Association for the Advancement of Science: Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the U.S. Department of Energy where I developed portfolio analytics capabilities for program managers in Basic Energy Sciences. In my future career, I hope to bring science policy and photosynthesis research together for a greener energy future.
RESEARCH STAFF
Tessema Kassaw
I earned my Ph.D in molecular genetics from Clemson University, in Clemson, South Carolina. I am interested in molecular and synthetic biology. More specifically, my research centers around construction and analysis of synthetic gene networks to develop programmable traits with novel applications. Currently, I am developing episome-based, gene expression modulation tools for the pennate diatom Phaeodactylum trictonutum and engineering Nannochloropsis oceanica for enhanced carbon uptake.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHERS
Marley Delaney
My name is Marley Delaney, and I am an undergraduate research assistant in the Peers lab, majoring in biochemistry and minoring in chemistry. I’m focused on refining my research techniques and learning new laboratory procedures. Currently, I am working with Tessema Kassaw on the glucose transporter and the CRTISOL gene in Phaeodactylum tricornutum. I will graduate in 2028, and plan to pursue graduate school after completing my degree.
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Dane Ferguson
Dane.Ferguson@colostate.edu
I’m Dane, a volunteer undergraduate researcher and fourth-year biology student with a minor in chemistry. I’m presently working with Andrew Paton, screening for suppressor mutants of pigment biosynthesis in Phaeodactylum tricornutum. I will be graduating in the spring of 2026 and plan on pursuing graduate or professional school post-graduation. I also enjoy recreational sports, hitting the slopes, and exploring the countryside!
Matthew Herbert
My name is Matthew Herbert, I am a junior majoring in biochemistry. I work with Andrew Paton to investigate pigment synthesis pathways in Phaeodactylum tricornutum. I will be graduating in the spring of 2027, and then I intend to pursue opportunities that build on my research experiences. Outside of academics I enjoy nature, driving, and skiing.
Joey Hoffmaster
Joseph.Hoffmaster@colostate.edu
My name is Joey Hoffmaster. I am a senior majoring in biochemistry with minors in chemistry and mathematics. I work with Andrew Paton on pigmentation in Phaeodactylum tricornutum and am working on developing and optimizing a cDNA transformation protocol involving these diatoms. I will graduate in the spring of 2026, with hopes of eventually starting a philosophy master’s degree. Outside of school I enjoy journaling, walking, and rock climbing.
Rebekah Ramirez
I am a third-year undergraduate majoring in botany with a minor in horticulture. I am currently working with Dr. Peers to investigate the growth, physiology, and heavy metal content of Arabidopsis plants grown on lunar regolith simulant. Eventually, we will attempt to remediate heavy metals that may be stunting plant growth in lunar soil using a strain of algae. This research aims to advance efforts to cultivate and grow plants on the Moon, as interest in lunar agriculture is expanding. I am passionate about conserving and cleaning our environment, with a specific interest in phytoremediation. Outside of academics, I love painting, crafts, cooking, propagating plants, and hanging out with my bunny, Lacy.
Brooke Sturtz
My name is Brooke Sturtz and I’m a freshman majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry as of fall 2025 at CSU. My work in the Peers lab for now is primarily helping Andrew Paton to continue his research on the products and methods of photosynthesis in algae and how they may be improved to assist in global sustainability, although I am personally interested in improving the sustainability of scientific research itself. The Peers lab has been instrumental in helping me learn key laboratory practices and techniques that will help me in the future and furthering my involvement in CSU’s biology program, and I’m excited to discover what else this experience has in store for me. I hope to continue to pursue my own research interests within the Peers lab and beyond in the next three years!
LAB ALUMNI
Gradate Students!
- Conor Bertucci, MSc 2025
- Dr. Michael Cantrell, PhD 2019
- Jeremy Primus, ME 2019
- Dr. Mike Caballero, PhD 2017
- Bjoern Andersson, MSc 2017
- Matt Youngblood, MSc 2015
Post-docs and Research Scientists!
- Brandon Rohnke – Postdoc
- Kalia Kodrich Saavedra – Lab Manager
- Yu Bai – Postdoc, now at Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research
- Maxwell Ware – Postdoc, now at Free University of Berlin
- Julia Kendrick – Lab Manager, now at Queen’s University at Kingston
- Laura Hantzis – Research Scientist
- Dr. Denghui David Xing – Research Scientist, now Manager of University of Montana Genomics Center
- Dr. Alexandra Gallina – Postdoc, now at Ogden Junior High
- Riannah Holmberg – Lab Manager, now at Genecheck
- Mark Layer – Computer Scientist, now in Soil and Crop Sciences at CSU
Undergraduates!
- Camille Moffitt
- Kristen Wright
- Atticus Swigris
- Brianna Terry
- Courtney Pimentel
- Chris Faber
- Justin Warner
- Evangelin Davids
- Mary Skillicorn
- Anna Moore
- Ethan Green
- Natalie Liberati
- Sarai Ramnani
- Erin Citarella
- Darcy Hunstiger
- Julia Kendrick
- Jessica Marsh
- Taylor Bailey
- Isabella Brandes
- Alexis Mertz
- Katrina Lems
- Minkyeong Cho
- Kate Austin
- Tiffany Wong
- Gus Waneka
- Lauren Cole
- Katie Chaney
- Yun (Leo) Zhang
- Rachel Riley
- Katie Imhoff
- Jonah Williams
- Abby Sulesky
- Allison Ward
- Elena Michel