Elliot Braun

###Lab
Co-mentored by [Addie Thompson](https://directory.natsci.msu.edu/Directory/Profiles/Person/103343), [Robert VanBuren](https://directory.natsci.msu.edu/Directory/Profiles/Person/103070) and [Erich Grotewold](https://directory.natsci.msu.edu/Directory/Profiles/Person/100458)

###Research Interests
Phenolic accumulation in sorghum and maize as well as how the genetics underlying this accumulation compare between the two species

###Quick Profile
**What got you interested in plants and plant science?**
One of the primary sparks for my interest in plants came after working on a project with Dr. Paul Williams, the creator of Wisconsin Fast Plants. He had retired a while ago, yet still worked very hard on a number of projects to continue educating and inspiring students. His passion was very evident, and he was very persuasive in arguing for the importance and joy of conducting research on plants.

**What is your research about?**
As a first-year grad student, I am still narrowing my research interests and developing the direction I want my research to go in. However, as of now, I will be picking up an ongoing project conducting LC-MS on sorghum grain to examine the various phenolic compounds present in a wide variety of genotypes. Next, I hope to elucidate the genetic underpinnings that contribute to the variation present.

**What is the potential societal impact of your research?**
Broadly, I am hoping my research will inform breeders and lead to advances in crop resilience, especially in areas of the world that are prone to drought and have less extensive breeding programs.

**Where do you see yourself in 10 years?**
In 10 years, I see myself knowing a little bit more about plant sciences than now, but one can only hope.

**On a Saturday afternoon, you'll likely find me:** playing basketball, walking my dogs or propagating my Pothos.