Xue Pan

Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences

Dr. Xue Pan is an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at UTSC. Her research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the role of lipids in plant growth, development, and stress response. By combining advanced live-cell imaging, molecular genetics, biochemistry, evolutionary bioinformatics, and mathematical modeling, her research addresses two key aspects of plant lipid biology: (1) how plant cells use lipids to build precise nano-compartments at the plasma membrane for signaling, and (2) how lipid metabolism can be optimized to produce high-quality bio-oils. The ultimate aim is to develop innovative strategies to boost crop productivity and enhance bio-oil quality, such as seed oil. These advancements will support Canada’s bio-based economy and foster more sustainable agricultural practices to meet the challenges of climate change.