Team Members

Current Team Members.

Dr Trisha McAllister

(She / her)

PostDoc (2023-present), (ERC DynaLines Project)

Growing up, I wouldn’t stop asking “why” – now it seems I’ve made a career out of it. My passion lies in understanding how plants grow the way they do and determining which genetic and biochemical processes underpin unique features. On the DynaLines project, my research aims to further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms defining maize leaf shape at the earliest stages of development.

Favourite species: barley and maize

Origins: I grew up in Scotland, did a Master’s degree at the University of Chester and a PhD in barley genetics in the McKim Lab at the University of Dundee.

Passionate about: STEM diversity, travelling, climbing, reading

Trisha-McAllister-Headshot

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Ed-Bridge-Headshot

Dr Ed Bridge

(He / him)

PostDoc (2025-present), (ERC DynaLines Project)

I am interested in the mechanisms involved in establishing developmental patterning in plants. During my PhD and MRes, I studied the role of calcium signalling in the development and colonisation of root nodule structures. In the Plant Shape lab, I study the interaction of components which are important for the development of the blade/sheath boundary region in grass leaves.

Favourite species: Maize, Medicago, Yew

Origins: I am originally from the south coast of England, but moved to Durham for my Undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences. Following my interest in plant science, I completed my Masters and PhD at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, before moving to Edinburgh.

Passionate about: STEM, cooking and travelling

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Heather Jones

(She / her) 

Phd Student (2023-present) Investigating the genetic regulation of leaf domains in maize

I am interested in how plants develop their shape, and how we can use this understanding to maximise their yield in an ever-changing world. In my PhD project, I am studying how domains are defined and regulated along the proximo-distal (base to tip) axis of the maize leaf, by looking at developmental mutants such as 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦1.

Favourite species: maize, bamboo, sequoia.  

Origins: I grew up in south London before moving to Edinburgh for my undergraduate degree in biotechnology.  

Passionate about: Sustainability and sustainable agriculture, women in STEM, sci-fi/ fantasy books

Heather-Jones-Headshot

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