Welcome to the Cooperstone lab website. We are glad you’re here.
We are a friendly, interdisciplinary group of researchers at Ohio State University looking to make better fruits and vegetables π ππππ±
We do lots of cool research activities including:
- analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry
- growing plants in the field and greenhouse
- conducting animal studies and human clinical trials
- bioinformatics and multi-omic integration
Here is a little bit about our research interests.
For prospective lab members, please see the left-panel on the people tab.
See what we're up to...
Apple genome-metabolome integration
Apples are the most consumed fruit in the US and both anectdotally and actually keep the doctor away. But apple breeding is challenged by many factors. We are working to aid the process of breeding healthier apples by better understanding apple genome-metabolite relationships.
Read moreMetabolomics
Metabolomics allows the comprehensive profiling of hundreds to thousands of small molecules present within a system. By using this approach, we can understand how metabolic changes (in plants, cells, animals, or people) are affected by our research question, and generate new ideas we may not be able to a priori hypothesize.
Read morePhytochemical analysis
In order to understand what phytochemicals are doing within a system, robust and quantitative methods are required for their analysis. We focus on developing liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry based methods to allow analysis of phytochemicals and their metabolites, often present at picomolar concentrations.
Read moreNutrition interventions with fruits and vegetables
To determine the in vivo health impacts of fruits and vegetables and their constituent phytochemicals, we conduct studies in animals and humans. We look to understand absorption, metabolism, distribution, excretion, and effect on development of disease.
Read moreTomato steroidal alkaloids
We are working to understand the profile and concentrations of tomato alkaloids across germplasm, their genetic control in fruits, and their absorption/distribution/metabolism/excretion/health impact in those who enjoy tomatoes.
Read more