Katrina Freund Saxhaug

Portrait of Katrina Freund Saxhaug wearing a red flannel shirt with a forest backdrop.
Researcher
[email protected]
256 Alderman Hall

1970 Folwell Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
United States

Education
  • Ph.D. University of Minnesota, Applied Plant Sciences 2020
  • M.S. University of Minnesota, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior 2014
  • B.A. Luther College, Biology and Chemistry

Areas of Interest

Plant metabolomics, plant biochemistry, plant-insect interactions

Research

My research is based mainly in metabolomics, a field of study focused on the measurement and analysis of all metabolites within a system (plants, in my case). I use liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques and multivariate methods to acquire and interpret data. I use combinations of observational and experimental field studies, greenhouse studies, and laboratory work to examine 1) the production of metabolites in plants as a response to environmental conditions and 2) endogenous metabolites that may confer advantages to plants. I am currently examining the phytochemical differences between susceptible and resistant specialty crop cultivars and the correlation of metabolomic and genomic information to develop new control measures for Japanese beetle in woody perennial and fruit crops. My side interests include native plant phenology and protocarnivorous capabilities of plants.

Outreach

I serve on a community garden advisory board that maintains a community garden space surrounded by a walking path and community green space. We are transitioning from partnering with Loaves and Fishes to developing the garden space for community garden plots. I also volunteer with Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve for various outreach and education programs: giving lectures at local libraries and with Master Gardener groups, leading guided tours, contributing photographs and reports through social media, and writing for the quarterly newsletter. My favorite project with Cedar Creek is the collection of long-term phenology data associated with E268 and the training and coordination of phenology volunteers.

Select Publications

Freund Saxhaug, K., Jungers, J. M., Hegeman, A. D., Wyse, D. L., & Sheaffer, C. C. (2020). Cultivation of native plants for seed and biomass yield. Agronomy Journal, 112(3), 1815-1827.