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​​​​​​​​2025 Early Career Showcase​

Explore new breakthrough​s in plant-microbial research​ and connect with a global network of scholars in our 2025 Early Career Showcase—free for IS-MPMI members! 

​This engaging two-part virtual series, held on February 20 and 26, spotlights the innovative work of twelve early career researchers. Each session promises to inspire and inform as we explore cutting-edge advancements shaping the future of our field. 

In addition, the event will feature interactive small-group discussions tailored specifically for early career researchers. Guided by members of the IS-MPMI board, these discussions offer a rare chance to network, collaborate, and gain valuable insights from leaders and peers alike. Be sure to cast your vote when you register to select the topics that matter most to you! 

​Don't miss this event!

• Discover Fresh Ideas: Engage with groundbreaking research presented by senior gr​aduate students and postdoctoral scholars from across the globe. 
  

• Build Lasting Connections: Join collaborative networking sessions designed to foster meaningful relationships within the IS-MPMI community. 

• Shape the Conversation: Participate in dynamic discussions that reflect the challenges and opportunities of today's research landscape. 

​Whether you're an established academic or an emerging scholar, the 2025 Early Career Showcase welcomes you to celebrate and support the next generation of plant-microbial scientists. Let's advance the frontiers of our field—together! 

​Programs​

Note: Both Showcase sessions will be recorded and made available to all IS-MPMI members and session ​registrants. ​​​

• Session 1

  Session 1

  Thursday, February 20, 2025
  6:00 - 9:00 am CST/ 12:00 - 15:00 pm GMT​
  

  Moderators: 

  Linnan Jie 
  Postdoctoral Scholar, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Science
  Yumino Sasaki 
  PhD candidate, Cornell University​
  

  • 
    

    Presenters	Research Title
    Xiaofei Du Graduate Student, China Agricultural University	Interfamily co-transfer of sensor and helper NLRs extends immune receptor functionality between angiosperms
    Dingliang Zhang Postdoctoral Scholar, China Agricultural University	The UBR7-mediated turnover of AL7 fine-tunes ROS accumulation in N-mediated immunity
    Marcelo Ezequiel Juarez Graduate Student, INGEBI-Conicet	Genomic and Transcriptomic Profiling of Argentinean Phytophthora infestans Isolates to Deploy Late Blight Resistance in the Region
    Mauricio Contreras Postdoctoral Scholar, The Sainsbury Laboratory	Biochemical a​nd structural basis of activation and autoinhibition of an NLR immune receptor network
    Jade Bleau Postdoctural Scholar, University of Dundee	Effector cooperation in plant-aphid interactions
    Sohini Guha Postdoctoral Scholar, Pennsylvania State University	Mutations in legume symbiosis genes create a complex selective landscape for natural genetic variation in rhizobia during multi-strain inoculations
    Breakout Rooms​ Led by IS-MPMI Board Members	Discussion on topics of interest for Early Career Professionals*

    *Vote for topics of interest when you register

  ​
  
• Session 2

  Session 2

  Wednesday, February 26, 2025
  14:00 - 17:00 pm CST/ ​20:00 - 23:00 pm GMT​
  

  Moderators: 

  Ashley Nelson 
  PhD candidate, North Dakota State University
  Ved Prakash 
  Postdoctoral researcher, Kansas State University​​
  

  • 
    

    ​​ Presenters	Research Title
    Abigail Rogers Graduate Student, Purdue University	The Ralstonia solanacearum effector protein RipU associates with and alters the organization of the plant cytoskeleton
    Alba Moreno Perez Postdoctoral Scholar, University of California, Davis	How age and microbiota shape immunity through plant surface receptors
    Ellen Rim Postdoctoral Scholar, University of California, Davis	Directed evolution to engineer immune receptors that recognize novel pathogen-derived effectors
    Jian Chen Postdoctoral Scholar, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial research Organisation	Eff​ector Recognition and Activation Mechanisms of NLR and Kinase-Fusion Proteins
    Neftaly Cruz Mireles Postdoctoral Scholar, The Sainsbury Laboratory	The phosphorylation landscape of rice blast disease
    Tianrun Li Graduate Student, University​ of California, Davis	Unlocking Expanded Flagellin Perception Through Rational Receptor Engineering
    Breakout Rooms Led by IS-MPMI Board Members	Discussion on topics of interest for Early Career Professionals*

    ​*Vote for topics of interest when you register​

    ​
    

​Pricing Per Session