I'm anticipating graduating sometime in 2028
Research Focus:
Dear esteemed audience, I am honored to share with you the scope of my research, which endeavors to unravel the intricate dynamics of plant-pathogen interactions at the plant apoplast level. As we know, the cunning plant pathogens are constantly engaged in the pursuit of creating a favorable environment inside their host plants for their own growth and propagation. In particular, bacterial pathogens like Pseudomonas syringae and Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii (Pnss) exhibit remarkable acumen in extracting vital resources such as water and nutrients from the plant cells, thus modulating the apoplastic space during the early biotrophic phase of infection. My paramount objective is to discern the underlying bacterial factors that facilitate the formation of hydrated and nutritive apoplasts during biotrophy, and thereby augment our understanding of this complex interplay.
Why OSU?
As an individual of international provenance, the yearning to assimilate the experiences of studying abroad has always been a pervasive inclination within me. After careful consideration and contemplation, I resolved to pursue a PhD through the Horticulture & Crop Science Department at OSU - a distinguished institution that is renowned for its exceptional agricultural research. In addition, my desire to collaborate with the illustrious Dr. David Mackey, whose extensive repertoire of publications expounds upon the molecular plant-pathogen interactions, and whose expertise as a mentor is unparalleled, further cemented my resolve to enroll at this esteemed institution.