Careers in plant-microbe interactions span more than research. Suma Chakravarthy is a senior science advisor at the USDA-APHIS-Biotechnology Regulatory Service. She earned her Ph.D. degree in genetics at Delhi University, working in plant biology, and was a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Greg Martin‘s lab at the Boyce Thompson Institute. Read how she made her way to her current position and her role at APHIS.

1. What drew you to your current job?

The availability of new techniques for genome engineering allows developers to introduce desirable traits into plants and other organisms, with the promise of enhancing sustainability and food security. This is an exciting period for countries trying to enable innovation and revise or adapt their regulatory processes for the oversight of products of agricultural biotechnology. In my current job, I work with federal partners and coordinate international communication to support science- and risk-based regulatory decision-making, while also providing support for APHIS BRS regulatory processes.

The chance to learn constantly, provide technical advice and influence policy, and work on international cooperation with many countries and organizations is exciting and motivating for me and drew me to my current job.

2. How did you choose molecular plant-microbe interactions as your focus of research?

My Ph.D. degree was in the field of plant biotechnology and focused on modification of the CaMV 35S promoter for transgene expression. The “clever” 35S promoter is a perfect example of plant-pathogen coevolution, as this viral promoter has cis-elements found in plant promoters and is responsive to the defense hormone salicylic acid, among other stimuli. My interest in plant transcription serendipitously led me to the lab of Prof. Greg Martin, where I started my postdoc studying the role of transcription factors in plant defense responses. During my years in academia, I was fortunate to be able to study plant defense responses, as well as bacterial virulence strategies.

3. What advice would you give to starting graduate students?

Remember that graduate school is only the start of your career, which could take different turns in your life. During grad school, it is important to focus on your project, work hard, and not get disappointed by failures. Have a backup project (or two) in case your main project is not successful. This is a good time to develop writing skills. Most important, do not box yourself in a niche field: read broadly, network, be interested in what other graduate students do, and enjoy the journey. A side hobby is a great way to decompress and take a mental break.

4. What advice would you give to people starting out in the job market?

Take time to prepare a good resume tailored to the advertised job and seek feedback from someone senior in your organization to polish the resume. It may take a few iterations till the application looks sharp. Prepare a list of potential interview questions and practice your answers, preferably with a colleague or senior, paying attention to content and timing. Be focused on the requirements of the job during your preparation phase.

Do not be afraid to contact potential employers and express your interest to learn about their work. Networking is critical because it will improve your understanding of opportunities and the scope of jobs in your field. Although it is important to find the right job for your background, sometimes the dream job will not come your way and it may be more realistic to accept the next-best position and do your best in it. Over time, other opportunities for growth will present themselves. A very important piece of advice, in my opinion, for young professionals is not to switch jobs too quickly—take time to learn the subject area and contribute to the mission of your employer. Important skills that will make you successful in the job market are good teamwork, collaboration, clear communication, and integrity.

5. Who has inspired you scientifically? Why?

Gregor Johann Mendel, who laid the foundation of the science of genetics, has inspired me scientifically. Despite facing tremendous personal struggles, he had many aspirational qualities that contributed to his success in laying down the foundational rules of inheritance. He had astute powers of observation and was rigorous, methodical, analytical, and persistent. He displayed courage to stand up for what he believed was right.

6. How did you make the transition from science to policy?

The Science and Technology Policy Fellowship (STPF) program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) helped me segue from science to policy. I listened to some lectures by invited scientists at Cornell University and became aware of the prospects the AAAS STPF gives to scientists to contribute their knowledge in the policy realm. The stories of former fellows were inspiring and offered a glimpse into an exciting and relevant career path. As a STPF Fellow in USDA APHIS BRS, the transition process was difficult, and I missed being on the bench and doing active research. I had to learn about biotechnology regulations, how they are implemented, how to apply science to perform risk assessments, and decision-making in the face of uncertainty. Every bit of my education, research experience, and soft skills were utilized during this transition. In my current position I am a regulatory scientist doing science and policy work, applying scientific skills to support complex evaluation of products to make regulatory determinations, and keeping up with advancements that will inform future policy.

7. What is the greatest challenge you have encountered in your career? What did you do to overcome this challenge?

I worked as regulatory manager at CropLife International (CLI), an international trade association that promotes agricultural technologies. The job at CLI pushed me out of my comfort zone because it was a new work environment and I had to interact with industry colleagues and a dynamic team of legal, trade policy, and communication professionals whose purpose was to promote trade and globally harmonized regulatory policies. This meant I had to zoom out and look at the big picture instead of focusing on details. I used the lessons from my academia workbook to overcome the challenge. I observed the workstyle of different member companies; learned about business pipelines and the importance of deadlines; was goal oriented; collected and organized information; used data for problem solving and presenting solutions; and was open to critical suggestions. My experience working in different sectors now helps me in my current job.

8. How can people find you on social media?

I have a LinkedIn profile, which is the easiest way to find me on social media.

9. What’s your favorite story from an IS-MPMI Society meeting?

The first IS-MPMI meeting I attended was in Madison, WI, in 2001, when I was a postdoc in Greg Martin’s lab working on the ethylene response factor Pti4. During the meeting, our lab met Charles Després who is now professor, biological sciences, at Brock University in Canada. Charles had an interest in studying plant signaling pathways, and after the meeting, we went on to become collaborators and coauthors on a 2003 paper on Pti4-mediated gene expression and its role in plant defense. This is a favorite story because it showcases the power of networking prior to the explosion of social media!

10. Have you ever conducted research in a country other than the United States? What were the challenges and good parts?

I completed my Ph.D. degree in India under the guidance of Dr. P.K. Burma and Dr. D. Pental. I was part of the first cohort of Ph.D. students from the lab and worked with researchers who focused on transformation and improvement of Brassica, cotton and pigeon pea using Agrobacterium and biolistic based methods. It was a stimulating environment, and I learned a lot though the discoveries and experiences of fellow scientists. At that time, it was challenging to access scientific literature, and I had to commute to a different institution to prepare photocopies of articles to read. Visits to the library often turned into a full-day event, which allowed me to detach from the bench and spend time browsing journals and books.

11. Is there anything else you would like to share? If so, what is it?

In my opinion, it is important to find ways to pay forward the support we obtain during our career to other colleagues and younger professionals. This could be by mentoring, offering career advice, or volunteering in schools and the local community.

12. Bonus question: What’s your favorite molecular plant pathology-related article?

This paper I am a co-author on is by far my favorite—it was published when I was a research associate in Dr. Alan Collmer‘s lab: “Genetic Disassembly and Combinatorial Reassembly Identify a Minimal Functional Repertoire of Type III Effectors in Pseudomonas syringae. (Cunnac, S., Chakravarthy, S., Kvitko, B. H., Russell, A. B., Martin, G. B., and Collmer, A. 2011. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 108:2975-2980).​

Meet recently graduated student Dr. Alexandra Margets, aka “Allie,” from Prof. Roger Innes‘ lab at Indiana University Bloomington. Her research focuses on Identifying and understanding the intricate components of the plant-pathogen interface, which motivates her research questions. Allie was awarded the prestigious Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Predoctoral Fellowship by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to investigate the molecular mechanisms of soybean cyst nematode effector proteins. Her research work led to the identification of a key protease effector of soybean cyst nematode (SCN), and this work translated into her first-author paper recently published in the November issue of MPMI, which was selected as an Editor’s Pick. With her current and future research, she hopes to gain information that expands our knowledge of plant immunity and use that information to address problems that impact agriculture. We congratulate Allie on her recent achievements and wish her a stroke of good luck in her future endeavors.

1.What do you think is the most important or exciting finding from your paper?

The most exciting finding from my paper was identifying a soybean target of the SCN effector protease, CPR1. It was an important finding to not only to provide a snapshot as to where/how CPR1 functions in plant cells, but now we can use this target to identify CPR1’s preferred cleavage sequence to generate PBS1 decoys that elicit immune responses upon cleavage.

2.Was there a piece of data that was particularly challenging to obtain or a part of the project that was particularly difficult?

Identifying the soybean target of CPR1 was the most challenging piece of data to obtain. Before pursuing biotin-based proximity labeling (miniTurbo) in composite soybean roots, I tried several different approaches to identify soybean targets of CPR1 and other SCN proteases. I tried to optimize several different approaches to perform these experiments in soybean. The techniques I pursued before using the composite plant system included soybean protoplasts, transient expression in soybean, and hairy root cultures. At first, I was using GFP fluorescence to identify transgenic roots, which was challenging, but incorporating the screenable marker, RUBY, into these experiments was a game changer that saved me a lot of time! However, miniTurbo yielded a list of interesting targets to test, which meant there was a lot of cloning and negative results along the way. Once I confirmed GmBCAT1 as a target of CPR1, the challenge made the result that much more exciting.

3. What research project are you most excited about right now?

I have now defended my thesis work but am happy to see that my projects are continuing in the lab. I am most excited to see the Innes-Baum labs work together to generate and test PBS1 decoys for SCN resistance. Stay tuned, as we hope to publish our findings on this system in roots in the near future. I also left the lab with an idea for using the composite plant system to identify the R gene in soybean that recognizes PBS1 cleavage.

4. What drew you to your current lab?

Despite rotating through two other great labs where I learned a lot, I was fascinated by the complexity between plant-pathogen interactions. I had very little exposure to this field at the time but loved molecular plant biology and the idea of learning about not only plants, but the pathogens that infect them in agriculture. I also was drawn to the idea of doing research, with the goal of developing resistance strategies as I was interested in a future career in industry/biotechnology. During my rotation in the Innes lab, I had a great mentor who routinely took the time to discuss his projects and the field of molecular plant-pathogen interactions, while challenging me to think about potential future directions of the lab’s research. I felt like there was a great support system among the Innes lab members and thoroughly enjoyed showing up each day. Dr. Innes and I established good communication early on, and I felt that it was a place where I would be able to grow into an independent scientist.

5. How did you choose to join your current graduate program?

I was looking for a broad graduate program that would allow me to explore different areas of biology research before choosing a thesis lab. The Genome, Cell, Developmental Biology Ph.D. program at IU was exactly that. This program also allowed me to explore labs under microbiology, biochemistry, and evolution/ecology through rotations. Since I was coming from undergraduate studies, I didn’t want to “think” I knew what I wanted/needed but rather wanted to explore different labs and mentors through hands-on experiences. Before joining, there were several labs I was interested in, so I knew that I would be able to make an educated decision on where I would thrive. Upon visiting IU, I immediately got a sense of diversity at the university and within the community that reminded me of where I grew up in New York. The graduate students during my visit were extremely friendly and honest, which allowed me to truly envision what it would be like to be a student there. Additionally, Bloomington, IN, is a beautiful small town that had everything I needed to focus on my thesis work but enjoy where I was living.

6. What advice would you give to starting graduate students?

1. Find a thesis lab that is going to give you the support that you need to reach your scientific goals and communicate those goals with your PI as early as possible. If you are doing rotations, have this conversation during the rotation and before joining. It is reasonable for graduate students to have high expectations for their research mentor. However, it is easy to forget we are just one of their responsibilities among many others. Establishing healthy, clear, and direct communication early on will help you both get what you need out of the professional relationship.
2. Build your scientific community early on in your career. It is always intimidating to put yourself out there in those early years, as many of us of get self-conscious about the amount of data we have in year one or two (especially if we are working on a newer project)—but do it! Whether that is attending a meeting with a “future directions” poster or attending a mixer where you may not know anyone. Once you make connections, remember to maintain them. The relationships in your network should be a give and take. Don’t only reach out when you need something.
3. Try and leave the “self-doubt” at the door. Grad school is a marathon, not a race. There are going to be rough times and that’s okay. Find constructive ways to handle the lows and don’t resort to thinking you aren’t good enough. It’s normal to feel these things from time to time, but don’t let them consume you. Having a healthy perspective and trying to find the positive in these instances will keep you motivated and happier in the long run.

7. Who has inspired you scientifically? Why?

I have always been inspired by my undergraduate PI, Dr. Michelle Barthet, at Coastal Carolina University. She was the first to show me the great world of research during my first year as an undergrad. Being at a primarily undergraduate institution, there were the obvious restraints when it came to funding, resources, and time in the lab. However, this never stopped Dr. Barthet. She was so passionate about her research and the productivity of her lab, she always came up with a way to accomplish her research questions while mentoring several undergrads. Not only was she creative, but the passion she had for her students in her lab and in her classrooms was unmatched. She genuinely cared about our long-term goals and tailored our experiences around them. I am truly inspired by the scientist she is and the dedication she has to her role in academia. My time working with Dr. Barthet shaped how I approach my science today and interact with mentees and colleagues.

8. Are you or have you been involved in other scientific/professional development activities? And how have they contributed to your training?

At IU, I served as the vice president of my graduate student organization that we started during COVID. It allowed me to build upon my leadership skills and adapt to new ways to communicate with our graduate student community during a challenging time. The organization is thriving today, and I love seeing how the new leaders have used the organization to promote a supportive community. I also worked closely with Dr. Innes on outreach initiatives in the Bloomington community. Each fall, we would visit third-grade classrooms and teach students what plants needed to grow through a hands-on experiment. This experience helped me immensely with my communication skills, and it was rewarding to watch the students get excited about plant science. Since I loved outreach, I wanted to branch out beyond IU, which led me to getting involved in The American Phytopathological Society Office of Public Relations and Outreach (APS OPRO). For two years, I served as the graduate student representative, where I had the pleasure of communicating plant science with different target audiences. Since my program at IU was not plant-specific, APS gave me a great community that I had the pleasure of meeting with regularly.​

9. What is the greatest challenge you have encountered in your career? What did you do to overcome this challenge?

My greatest challenge during my academic career occurred during my undergrad studies. To pay for college, I was working full-time as a waitress at the Hard Rock Café. Luckily, I had a great support system there, and my managers fully supported my education. However, balancing work, school, and research was a real challenge both physically and mentally. Registering for the upcoming semesters was always a stressful time as I was working hard to pay off the current semester on time to be sure I could register for the classes I needed. To overcome this challenge, I had to become really (really) good with time management and sticking to a routine. Sometimes that meant having flash cards for an upcoming test in my apron at work or waking up before an 8 a.m. class to go to the library. I used my future goals as my source of motivation. At Coastal Carolina University, I got my first taste of research and really fell in love with it. Luckily, I was able to stay work in the same lab for the three years I was at Coastal, which helped me develop a routine. While I wouldn’t necessarily want go through this period again, it really shaped how I approached grad school, and I had such appreciation for being able to immerse 100% of myself in my research and education during my Ph.D. studies.

10. How can people find you on social media?

X: @_acmargets

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-margets

11. Is there anything else you would like to share? If so, what is it?

To students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. degree or those navigating grad school, always feel free to reach out to me if you need someone to talk to or have questions. I was lucky enough to have several more senior scientists to go to with my questions and concerns throughout my graduate experience, and I genuinely love helping others.

12. What’s your favorite pathogen or disease?

Soybean cyst nematode (but any sedentary plant parasitic nematode sparks my interest).​​

Priyamedha Sengupta, Postdoctoral Researcher, Centre of Research on Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), Spain, and Junior Member IS-MPMI Board of Directors​

Happy Birthday, Liebe Maus!

Meet Ye-Eun Seo, a current Ph.D. student from the laboratory of Prof. Doil Choi in the Department of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology at Seoul National University, South Korea. Ye-Eun received the MPMI Best Student Paper Award for her first-author paper on “Phytophthora infestans RxLR Effector PITG06478 Hijacks 14-3-3 to Suppress PMA Activity Leading to Necrotrophic Cell Death.” Her research focuses on molecular plant-microbe interactions, particularly examining the mechanisms by which pathogen effectors manipulate host cellular processes and how plants defend against these pathogens. Her recent work focused on elucidating the cell death mechanisms related to the plasma membrane proton pump in plants and on plant immune receptors and effectors from P. capsici and P. infestans. Currently, she is exploring the interactions between Solanaceae plants and P. capsici, with an emphasis on nonhost resistance mechanisms and the role of secreted proteins in pathogenicity. Through this research, she aims to contribute to expand our understanding of plant immunity and the development of sustainable crop protection strategies. To gain more insights into her research interests and scientific journey, and congratulate and celebrate her success, read this first-author interview.

1. What do you think is the most important or exciting finding from your paper?

In our paper, we investigated how the P. infestans RxLR effector PITG06478 induces cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana by targeting the plasma membrane H+-ATPase (PMA) activity and its interaction with 14-3-3 proteins. In my opinion, the most interesting finding from our paper is that fusicoccin treatment affected the association between 14-3-3 and the effector. Fusicoccin is an irreversible activator of PMA, so its application alters conditions within the plant cell—particularly the pH. This suggests that pH changes could influence the effector’s mode of action, implying that pH is a critical factor in regulating effector-host interactions and cell death mechanisms.

2. Was there a piece of data that was particularly challenging to obtain or a part of the project that was particularly difficult?

Initially, we performed a screen to test whether fusicoccin treatment affected effector-induced cell death and found that cell death was affected in the presence of several effectors, but none of them interacted with PMA. This was contrary to our initial expectations, so we had to test an alternate approach. We then conducted another screen to test whether fusicoccin treatment changed subcellular localization of the effector. That’s how we identified PITG06478 for further investigation. I think we were fortunate to be able to specify the effector’s mode of action through these two screening methods and subsequent research. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility in research and the value of pursuing unexpected results. I came to understand that sometimes interesting findings can come from results that don’t match our initial hypotheses and that being open to changing our approach can lead to new insights.

3. What research project are you most excited about right now?

Currently, I’m very excited about my work with P. capsici secreted proteins. These proteins have the potential to act as PAMPs (pathogen-associated molecular patterns) or apoplastic effectors in plant cells. I’ve identified candidates that can induce cell death in plants, and now I’m focusing on uncovering their receptors and downstream signaling pathways. I believe this research could lead to interesting findings and potentially uncover novel mechanisms in plant-pathogen interactions.

4. What drew you to your current lab?

I first met my current advisor during my first major course after declaring my major as an undergraduate. What really impressed me was that in every class, the professor introduced fascinating new cutting-edge research papers. This approach not only made the classes more engaging but also gave us insight into the latest developments in the field. I found the professor’s research area incredibly interesting, and it aligned well with my own scientific interests. The professor’s enthusiasm for the subject and dedication to keeping students updated with the most recent advancements in the field really drew me to this lab. As an undergraduate research assistant in this lab, I had an eye-opening experience. I enjoyed applying the experimental techniques I learned in class to real research situations. The process of conducting experiments was genuinely interesting, even when faced with challenges. I found the troubleshooting process, where we discussed failed experiments with other researchers, particularly enriching. These discussions not only helped solve immediate problems but also deepened my understanding of the scientific process. Through this hands-on experience, I discovered that I was truly fascinated by the process of conducting experiments and doing research.

5. How did you choose to join your current graduate program?

I chose to join my current graduate program in Horticultural Biotechnology because of my experience as an undergraduate research assistant in the lab of Prof. Doil Choi. Our lab focuses on molecular plant-microbe interactions in horticultural crops. During my time as an undergraduate researcher, I became fascinated with the molecular plant-microbe interactions field. This interest, combined with the positive experiences I had in the lab, led me to pursue graduate studies in the same department and lab. I wanted to continue working on molecular plant-microbe interactions in horticultural crops, so joining the Horticultural Biotechnology graduate program was a natural choice for me.

6. What advice would you give to starting graduate students?

As a fellow graduate student still learning and growing, I’d like to share some advice from my experiences so far. I’ve found that asking questions and seeking clarification from advisors, professors, and peers has been incredibly helpful. Staying curious and exploring various resources, as well as keeping up with recent research, has also been beneficial. I’ve noticed that keeping organized notes and documenting experiments and ideas helps me track my progress and thoughts. When possible, I try to attend conferences and seminars, which I’ve found to be great learning opportunities, though I’m still working on my networking skills. I’m also trying to view constructive criticism as a chance to improve my work and be open to feedback. These are just my personal experiences, and I’m sure every graduate student’s journey is unique.

7. Who has inspired you scientifically? Why?

The most scientifically inspiring people to me are my PI and lab members. Our weekly group lab meetings are particularly valuable. During these discussions, my professor often provides guidance from a broader perspective, offering insights that help shape our research directions. My lab mates also contribute ideas, sharing their thoughts on experiments and project approaches. These interactions have shown me the importance of collaborative thinking in science. Sometimes, discussions with lab mates have led me to consider new methods or help refine the direction of my project. I learn a lot from their experiences and approaches. Additionally, I find seminars and research papers from other scientists in our field to be informative and motivating. Seeing the work being done by researchers worldwide encourages me to continue developing my skills and knowledge in my own studies.

8. How can people find you on social media?

I have an X account, @YEEUNSEOYEEUN (although I’m not very active in posting…).

9. Is there anything else you would like to share? If so, what is it?

I’d like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to my professor, Dr. Doil Choi, and my lab members. I’m truly thankful for their guidance, support, and collaboration throughout my research journey.​

Jiyeong (Jess) Choi is a recent Ph.D. degree graduate from Dr. Marc Fuchs‘ lab at Cornell University, USA. Jess defended her Ph.D. dissertation in August and is currently working as a research assistant in the Fuchs lab.

1. What do you think is the most important or exciting finding from your paper?

This study identified three viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs) encoded by grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV): proteins 1A and 1B and the fusion protein 1AB, which is an intermediary product of polyprotein proteolytic cleavage processing. One of the most thrilling findings of this study is that the two independent GFLV VSRs (1A and 1B) can function either individually (1A and 1B) or as the fused form (1AB) to reverse systemic RNA silencing and differentially alter host genes associated with antiviral RNA silencing, suggesting that GFLV employs multiple strategies to evade host antiviral defense. This finding assigns a function to protein 1A for the first time and provides the first experimentally validated function for protein 1B. Overall, this study deepened our knowledge of how GFLV counters host antiviral immunity and contributes valuable insights into the molecular biology of this virus.

2. Was there a piece of data that was particularly challenging to obtain or a part of the project that was particularly difficult?

The most challenging aspect of the project was assessing and validating RNA silencing suppression functions of GFLV proteins 1A, 1B, and 1AB. I executed three distinct RNA silencing suppression assays to evaluate their suppression abilities from multiple perspectives and approaches. Designing, developing, optimizing, and conducting these assays were difficult due to the unique RNA silencing suppression characteristics and host gene modulation abilities specific to each protein. By analyzing results both individually and collectively, I validated RNA silencing suppression functions of GFLV proteins 1A, 1B, and 1AB, identifying them as GFLV VSRs.

3. What research project are you most excited about right now?

I’m currently working on elucidating subcellular localization of GFLV VSRs in planta using live-cell imaging techniques via confocal microscopy. Building on the identification of GFLV VSRs (Choi et al., 2023), I have recently identified specific amino acid residues that are critical for systemic RNA silencing suppression functions of GFLV VSRs (Choi et al., 2024). Drawing on these findings, I will explore whether the specific subcellular localization of GFLV VSRs is required for their suppression functions. This study will facilitate identifying potential host interactants of GFLV VSRs at the level of specific organelles, providing further insights into the RNA silencing suppression mechanisms utilized by GFLV VSRs.

4. What drew you to your current lab?

During my undergraduate studies, I completed a 9-week research internship in Dr. Marc Fuchs’ research lab through the Summer Research Scholar Program at Cornell AgriTech. I specifically applied to his plant virology program because I was fascinated by how viruses, primarily composed of proteins and nucleic acids (and sometimes lipids), can overcome the defense mechanisms of complex eukaryotic organisms to cause devastating diseases. I developed a specific interest in studying plant viruses because the impact of plant viral diseases extends beyond the host, affecting both the economy and food security. My summer research focused on elucidating the vein-clearing symptom determinants of GFLV under the mentorship of Dr. Larissa Osterbaan (published in MPMI; Osterbaan et al., 2018). This experience sparked my interest in studying molecular biology of GFLV and deepened my passion for plant molecular virology.

5. What advice would you give to starting graduate students?

When you encounter unexpected data, don’t focus on what you might have done “wrong.” Instead, shift your mindset to what you can do “next” and how you can leverage that unexpected data to build on your research.

6. Who has inspired you scientifically? Why?

I am inspired by Dr. Barbara McClintock for her transformative contributions to genetics, particularly her discovery of transposable elements in maize, which reshaped our understanding of gene regulation. Her innovative thinking inspires me to think outside the box in my research. I admire her resilience and determination in overcoming adversity in a historically male-dominated field, which continues to inspire women in science today. Dr. McClintock’s legacy encourages me to pursue my scientific and career goals with courage and creativity.

7. Have you been involved in other scientific/professional development activities? And how have these contributed to your training?

I served as a secretary for the Bioengineering Applications Committee of The American Phytopathological Society (APS). I co-organized the APS “Exploring Career Paths in Biotechnology” webinar in 2023, which focused on introducing diverse career opportunities in the field of biotechnology to students and postdocs by featuring biotechnologists from academia, government, Extension, and industry. This role allowed me to develop valuable organizational and communication skills, network with diverse experts in the biotechnology and bioengineering fields, and gain insightful perspectives in diverse biotechnology career opportunities.

Additionally, I co-organized a plant pathology workshop, “Somebody Call the Plant Doctor,” for Expanding Your Horizons at Cornell in 2022. This workshop focused on providing hands-on learning experiences for seventh- to nineth-grade students in plant pathology, teaching them how to identify symptoms of plant diseases, use identification sheets and microscopes, and understand how to prevent the spread of pathogens. Through this experience, I was able to practice and improve my public speaking and science communication skills.

8. What is the greatest challenge you have encountered in your career? What did you do to overcome this challenge?

The greatest challenge I faced during my graduate career was a lack of confidence in writing. Initially, I often felt lost, unsure of where to begin, pause, or conclude. Drafting manuscripts made me anxious, but the repetitive process of drafting, editing, and redrafting gradually helped me become more comfortable with my writing. Committing to publish my research and reading a wide range of articles enhanced my understanding of scientific communication and contributed to my growing confidence.

9. How can people find you on social media?

People can find me on X (@jesspatho36), LinkedIn (jess-choi-71b4b5225) ,or ResearchGate (Jiyeong-Choi-3).

10. Is there anything else you would like to share? If so, what is it?

I am very grateful for the opportunity to publish my work in MPMI. I would like to thank Drs. Ved Prakash and Anjali Iyer-Pascuzzi for their invitation to complete this interview and their contributions to MPMI.

11. Bonus question: What’s your favorite pathogen or disease?

Tulip breaking virus! It is the first plant virus I learned about, and it is also my mom’s favorite plant pathogen!​

The Michael Mishkind Travel Fund provides travel awards to IS-MPMI Members who are early career researchers seeking to attend the 2025 IS-MPMI Congress. Your contribution will provide support and inspiration to the next generation of scientists and researchers in the field of plant-microbe interactions. Give now.​

 Follow us on this new social media platform that continues to increase its presence in the scientific community. Connect with leading researchers in the field of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, genetics, genomics, proteomics, and molecular ecology through IS-MPMI (@ismpmi.bsky.social).

There are multiple ways to get involved with IS-MPMI, from presenting and attending the IS-MPMI Conference to submitting a manuscript to MPMI to sharing content through social media platforms. Learn more about how you can volunteer and engage with the IS-MPMI community.

​Jeff Anderson
Dick Yaw Acheampong Andoh
Katherine Blocklove
Joydeep Chakraborty
Jeffrey Chen
Laurent Deluc
Elsie Ayamoh Enow
Alexandra D. Gates
Almuth Hammerbacher
Matthias Heuberger
Erin Huiting
Yoshiyuki Imura
Muhammad Shahzad Iqbal
Hira Kamal
Anil Kumar
Thorsten Langner
Cecile Lorrain
Ignacio Eduardo Maldonado-Mendoza
Nikolaos Mastrodimos
Chandan Maurya
Janhavi Maurya
Adam Mott
Ketra Oketcho
Sona Pandey
Carmen Sanchez Canizares
Cecile Segonzac
Susmita Sett
Shilpi Sharma
Najeeb Ullah​​

Thank you to everyone who joined us from all around the world for the latest “What’s New in MPMI!” virtual seminar with host Jeanne Harris and guest Yingpeng Xie, who discussed the MPMI H. H. Flor Distinguished Review “Unlocking Nature’s Defense: Plant Pattern Recognition Receptors as Guardians Against Pathogenic Threats.”

Miss the live virtual seminar? The full recording is now available online!

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