Rate My Professor Mary Byrne

Associate Professor Mary Byrne is a plant developmental biologist in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney, where she has held her current position since 2011. She leads the Plant Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Lab, which investigates gene networks regulating plant shoot development, with a particular emphasis on leaf shape diversity and evolution. Her research examines how homeobox transcription factor genes, especially those in the TALE class such as KNOX and BELL proteins, control leaf margin growth and patterning. Byrne employs genetic, molecular, cell, and developmental biology approaches using model species Arabidopsis thaliana, which exhibits subtle leaf margin variations, and Cardamine hirsuta, featuring more pronounced serrations and compound leaves. This work elucidates how leaf shape influences plant environmental responses. She obtained her PhD from Monash University in 1992. Byrne has made significant contributions to the field through numerous peer-reviewed publications, including 'Shaping leaves through TALE homeodomain transcription factors' (2024, Journal of Experimental Botany), 'From genes to climate: a perspective on the importance of leaf shape' (2025), 'Homeodomain transcription factor regulation of leaf serrations in Cardamine hirsuta' (2025, Journal of Experimental Botany), 'The Arabidopsis organelle-localized glycyl-tRNA synthetase encoded by EMBRYO DEFECTIVE DEVELOPMENT1 is required for organ patterning' (2012, Plant Physiology), and 'Involvement of ribosomal protein RPL27a in meristem activity and organ development' (2011, Plant Signaling & Behavior). Her research has been recognized in global researcher rankings, and she serves as an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Plant Science in the Plant Development and EvoDevo section. Additionally, she coordinates Fascination of Plants Day for Australia and delivers seminars on topics such as complexity in simple leaf development.