` ||-Interdepartmental Genetics Program - Iowa State University-||

Interdepartmental Genetics Graduate Program - M.S./Ph.D.

Name: Peter Howe

I am currently in my third year as a Ph.D. student in the genetics program.
Hometown: Little Rock, AR
Undergrad: Truman State University where I received a BS in Biology
Extracurricular Activities: I love to spend time in the outdoors. Ames has great access to state parks where I am able to camp, canoe, hunt and fish. I spend the majority of my free time somewhere outside.
Research: My research focuses on plant parasites called cyst nematodes. When nematodes infect plant roots they secret proteins into the root cells that allow the nematodes to change cell structure, metabolism and gene expression in order to form elaborate feeding sites. My project is to characterize the role of some of the proteins secreted by the nematode and investigate their role once they are in the plant cell.
I chose ISU for several reasons. When I came to visit the university I was impressed by the way the faculty members collaborated and interacted. As an undergraduate at Truman I also had several professors who either graduated from Iowa State or did Post doctoral research here so I knew that it was a good place to continue my scientific education.
I have not yet decided on life after graduate school, but I am confident that my work here at Iowa State will prepare me for whatever adventures are ahead.

Genetics Graduate Program

Interdepartmental Genetics Graduate Program, 2102 Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3260.
Phone 515-294-7697 or 1-800-499-1972 | Fax 515-294-6669 | genetics @iastate.edu

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identifty, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 3680 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.