Protecting future food supplies. Growing the next generation of plant pathologists.
Lucy worked at the University of Bristol, investigating Cassava Brown Streak virus (CBSV). As a second year degree student at the University of Bristol, Lucy researched the impact of this disease on Cassava as a staple crop in Africa, and analysed different methods for growing plants to use for experiments with CBSV.
Finley worked with Matt Dickinson at the University of Nottingham, using Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as a tool to detect DNA from Botrytis and Powdery mildew-infections. Investigating how effective UV-C radiation is to these plant pathogens.
Poppy worked with Lawrence Branham at the Rothamsted Research Institute, investigating barley yellow dwarf virus. Bringing experience as a chemistry student at Imperial College London to a plant pathology summer project. Developing laboratory skills and using bioinformatics tools.
Brenda worked with Mark Banfield at the John Innes Centre, investigating plant immune receptors. She brought her direct experience of family farming and her degree on biomedical science together during this summer project. She completed this project before returning to her fourth year as a student at the University of Edinburgh.
Claudia worked with Matevz Papp-Rupar at the NIAB-EMR, investigating Bacteriophages vs. Biofilms. As a student at the university of Kent, this summer project provided an insight into plant pathology: looking for ways to control bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae) on cherry, by analysing biofilm growth in the lab.
Amber worked with Neil Brown at the University of Bath, investigating Fusarium Head Blight of Wheat. As an undergraduate biology student at bath, it was exciting to have the opportunity to use molecular biology techniques to investigate how nutrition and minerals like Zinc are important for plant disease, during the summer.
Phoebe worked with Mojgan Rabiey at the University of Birmingham, investigating bacteria that live on Cherry trees. Phoebe explored the bacteria causing canker disease, Pseudomonas syringae, and the potential for viruses to transfer disease-causing genes to other bacteria living on the trees. A great opportunity before the final year of her undergraduate studies at Birmingham.
Helena worked with Jonathan Jones at The Sainsbury Lab, Norwich, investigating mechanisms of plant immunity. This summer project provided the opportunity to use practical skills despite the limitations imposed by covid restrictions. Studying: protein chemistry, co-immunoprecipitation experiments, an SDS page gel and Western blots. Building on her studies at Imperial College London.
Isabella worked with Diane Saunders at the John Innes Centre, investigating wheat disease using a number of techniques like: Virus Induced Gene Silencing or VIGS. Studying at the University of Durham, this project provided Isabella with an opportunity to experience plant pathology research in action.
Lucy worked with Jake Malone at the John Innes Centre, investigating Pseudomonas bacteria. Enjoying the opportunity to study hands-on after lock-down experiences during a degree at York University.
Laura worked with Joshua Joyce at the John Innes Centre, investigating aphid-plant interactions. As a biology student at Durham University, this summer project provided Laura with an insight into practical aphid biology and fluorescence microscopy in plants.
Remy worked with Volcan Cevik at the University of Bath, investigating the white blister rust disease of brassicas – Albugo candida. As an undergraduate student at Bath, this was a great opportunity to experience working in a laboratory everyday.
Tomas worked with Phillip Carella at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, investigating the evolution of plant immunity, by comparing plants across the world for resistance to an oomycete disease called Phytophthora palmivora. As an undergraduate student, studying at the University of Bristol, this summer project provided practical experience in planning experiments in plants and the power of a supportive team.
Samantha worked with Chinthani Karandeni Dewage at the University of Hertfordshire, investigating plant disease interactions in Oilseed Rape. Samantha studied microbiology at the University of Nottingham and enjoyed exploring plant pathology techniques in the laboratory. BSPP supporting plant pathology experience in summer 2021.
Maria worked with Anne Webb at NIAB, Cambridge, investigating Septoria leaf blotch of wheat. This summer project provided the opportunity to culture plant disease and inoculate wheat with disease. She is a student at the University of Cambridge and is going into her final year.
Yuk Woon worked with Ingo Hein at the James Hutton Institute, investigating plant disease resistance in potatoes. She explored plant science in the glasshouses, laboratories and through bioinformatics. Learning how to use bioinformatics tools to identify potential disease resistance locations in the potato genome. She is a student at the University of Dundee, going into the final year.
Emma worked with Vardis Ntoukakis at the University of Warwick, investigating plant proteins that could be used to engineer plants tolerant to heat stress. She brought her experience in synthetic biology to support plant pathology studies during this summer project. She completed this project before returning to her biochemistry studies as a student at the University of Warwick.
Barbara worked with Jake Harris at the University of Cambridge, investigating the concept of priming the plant immune response. Listen to video to learn how this student project gave her an opportunity to work in a molecular laboratory and hone her computational skills.
Katie worked with Estrella Luna Dies at the University of Birmingham, investigating the effect of elevated CO2 in disease resistance to powdery mildew in 150 year-old oaks .
Clemence worked with Tolga Bozkurt at Imperial College London, investigating plant immune receptors.
