Exploring the evolutionary biology and anatomy of plants, The Onyenedum Lab at New York University creates accessible educational videos on botany and plant development.

LabXchange is excited to announce the addition of resources from The Onyenedum Lab to our platform! Below, hear from Professor Joyce Onyenedum, principal investigator of The Onyenedum Lab and assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at New York University, to learn more about the lab's work.

What does The Onyenedum Lab do?

The Onyenedum Lab (EST. 2020) seeks to investigate the evolutionary developmental biology underpinning plant diversity. We investigate how fine-scale developmental processes drive large-scale macroevolutionary patterns, with a particular interest in addressing the repeated and independent evolution of climbing plants. To achieve this, we use integrative approaches, leveraging tools and techniques from classical anatomy and morphology, molecular systematics, statistical phylogenetic comparative methods, developmental biology, and cell wall biology.

What's one fun fact that LabXchange users should know about your lab?

In recent years, my lab members have brought to my attention that all of us have a level of “flower power," which is a playful mix of wanderlust and optimism by which we carry out our research.

What initially inspired you to work in science education? What keeps you motivated?

I have been unbelievably grateful to have been trained in the classical craft and science of plant anatomy—the microscopic view of how cells and tissues are oriented in plants. With this training, I have been able to derive unique research questions only answerable with the tools of plant anatomy. Thus, it has been troubling to me that plant anatomy is in steep decline in the American education system. I took on science education as a path to share plant anatomy with a broader audience, in a time where these insights are difficult to find. So my motivation to engage in science education comes from a place of urgency to preserve the wealth of knowledge locked away in the anatomy of plants.

Which content are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the entire Build A Plant series! This work took synergistic collaborations with other institutions, including the New York Botanical Garden, and it all came together beautifully. Our small team of producers worked very closely together to write, source anatomical slides, strategically pick plants to film, and of course many retakes to create the final products. I have been very pleased with the positive feedback I have received from colleagues who use it in their classes.

How can learners and educators best use your resources?

I designed these videos to be short summaries to accompany lectures by teachers and professors of botany courses. Therefore, they can be assigned in conjunction with readings or they can be played during lecture.

What advice would you give to young people interested in pursuing a future in science?

Never compare yourself to anyone else; stay in your unique lane and you will surely make your unique mark on the world.

Finally, what’s next for your lab?

We will soon be launching our content on TikTok!

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See more resources from the Onyenedum Lab in the LabXchange library!