Her thesis research at MSU uses various physiological, molecular, biochemical, computational, and microscopy techniques to explore how the extremophile alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae can perform efficient photosynthesis under challenging growth conditions. At KAUST, she is working on bioengineering in C. merolae, and is excited to learn new biotechnology skills.

• Steensma, A.K., Kaste, J.A.M., Heo, J., Orr, D.J., Sung, C-L., Shachar-Hill, Y., Walker, B.J. (2024). ”Modeling with uncertainty quantification reveals the essential features of a non-canonical algal carbon-concentrating mechanism.” Plant Physiology 197(2) kiae629, https://doi.org/10.1093/plphys/kiae629.
• Steensma, A.K., Shachar-Hill, Y., Walker, B.J. (2023). ”The Carbon-Concentrating Mechanism of the Extremophilic Red Alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae.” Photosynthesis Research 156, pp. 247-264. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11120-023-01000-6

• Ph.D. Candidate, Dual Major in Plant Biology and Molecular Plant Sciences, Michigan State University, 2021 – present.
• Bachelor of Arts, Major with Honors in Biological Chemistry and Minor in Statistics, Grinnell College, 2017 – 2021.

• Anton Lang Research Excellence Award (awarded to 1 MSU graduate student each year for research accomplishments in plant science)
• US National Institutes of Health Training Fellowship in Plant Biotechnology for Health and Sustainability (2 years full funding, awarded to ~3 MSU graduate students each year to recognize leadership potential in biotechnology)
• Michigan State University College of Natural Sciences Recruiting Fellowship (1 year full funding, awarded to competitive applicants for MSU graduate programs)
• Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society at Grinnell College (awarded to ~2% of the junior class for academic excellence)
• Grinnell College Dean’s List Fall 2017 – Fall 2020

Sustainable & Synthetic Biotechnology Group

Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering