TAMU Biology Doctoral Student Sara Maynard Publishes Research on Plant Cell Stress Responses

Sara maynard pictured with GREAT program students

Sarah Maynard, a Biology doctoral candidate in Larry Griffing’s laboratory in the Department of Biology Texas A&M University, has published a significant paper titled The Photosensitive Endoplasmic Reticulum-Chloroplast Contact Site in the Journal of Microscopy. Working in Dr. Larry Griffing’s laboratory, Maynard’s research explores the intricate molecular signaling pathways that plants use to respond to environmental stress, particularly excess light exposure. “We are addressing how plants respond to an excess of light,” Maynard explained, “and how plant cells rely on complex molecular signaling pathways to avoid damage.” The study focuses on the role of membrane contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and chloroplasts, uncovering a unique photosensitive property that responds specifically to near-UV light.

Maynard’s research identifies a distinct cytosolic calcium wave—a common stress response in plants—triggered only under precise photostimulation settings, such as wavelength, power, and location. These findings suggest that while plants detect light for photosynthesis through well-known pigments and photoreceptors, their response to near-UV light may involve an entirely different mechanism. “Instead of the usual photosynthetic pigments, our research points to a potentially unique photoreceptor mediating this response,” Maynard stated. The study reveals how changes in ionic balances within the ER lumen contribute to signal propagation across organelles and cells, shedding light on how plants might use the ER to coordinate stress responses.

In addition to her research achievements, Maynard is an active contributor to the Texas A&M academic community. She has served as a teaching assistant for several semesters and helped adapt Dr. Griffing’s course into a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) for broader implementation. Maynard has also been involved in numerous leadership and outreach initiatives, including coordinating the Biology Department’s NIH-funded GREAT program, a collaboration that brings undergraduate students from nearby Prairie View A&M to Texas A&M for the summer (see photo). Maynard served a key role in the GREAT program, supporting student research and coordinating activities. Maynard currently runs microscopy workshops, and serving on the Student Research Week planning committee. Recently honored with the prestigious Phil Gramm Fellowship, Maynard reflects on her time at Texas A&M with gratitude and pride.