Spencer Whitney

Spencer Whitney is a Research Fellow at the Australian National University's Research School of Biology. His research focuses on synthetic biology to study the assembly, metabolic regulation, and kinetic plasticity of Rubisco, the photosynthetic CO2-fixing enzyme. His work explores ways to improve plant CO2 capture and growth efficiency through Rubisco engineering. Whitney's research provides training in molecular biology, protein engineering, enzyme kinetics, and biochemistry. He has contributed to the ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis and the ARC Future Crop Development program. His research projects include examining Rubisco-Rubisco activase interactions, exploring the evolutionary protein landscape of Rubisco, and investigating the role of N-terminal post-translational modifications of the tobacco Rubisco large subunit.

Spencer Whitney is a Professor at the Australian National University, specializing in the study of Rubisco, the key enzyme in photosynthesis. His research explores the diversity, evolution, and biogenesis of Rubisco, as well as its role in carbon-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) in algae, cyanobacteria, and symbiotic dinoflagellates. Whitney investigates how Rubisco activity and regulation can be enhanced to improve photosynthetic efficiency in crops, with a focus on reducing photorespiration and increasing CO2 fixation. His work also examines the thermal sensitivity and biogenesis of Rubisco in various organisms, aiming to develop strategies for improving plant growth and resilience under environmental stress.