Lynn J. Pillitteri, Ph.D.

Departmental Information

(2009) Assistant Professor

Phone: 360-650-6599
Office: BI 147
Email: Lynn.Pillitteri@wwu.edu

Education

Ph.D. Plant Genetics, University of California, Riverside, 2002
M.S. Plant Biology, University of California, Riverside, 1997
B.S. Biology, State University of New York at Binghamton, 1993.

Research Interests

Plant Development and the molecular mechanisms underlying final plant form. My lab studies the mechanisms which controls the balance between cell proliferation and differentiation during development. I use the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana to investigate this broad fundamental biological question.

Teaching Philosophy:

My ultimate goal as a teacher is to motivate and challenge my students to think creatively and independently. Science is inquiry, it is based on asking questions and searching for answers by gathering, collating and interpreting data.

About Me

I started out performing field-oriented studies while getting my Master’s degree at the University of California, Riverside. After taking my classes and getting really excited about molecular biology and the developmental processes that control final plant form, I switched gears and got my PhD in Plant Genetics. I then completed my postdoctoral work in the lab of Dr. Keiko Torii at the University of Washington before coming to Western. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing soccer and getting filthy in the garden.