What led you to do your PhD at the John Innes Centre?

I studied Genetics at the University of Leeds, and I always thought I would be more interested in the human aspect of the course. Through various plant science lectures, I started to realise that plants are far more interesting than I ever imagined.

During my undergraduate studies, I was drawn to learning about plant disease resistance. When I saw a position at JIC that focused on this, combined with real-world applications, it seemed like the perfect fit.

What did your PhD research focus on?

Investigating disease resistance in barley, looking at different barley pathogens, with a focus on Fusarium head blight (FHB). FHB is a fungal cereal disease caused by various Fusarium fungi, which leads to crop loss and drastically reduced grain yield.

The main aspect of the PhD was looking at heritage barley varieties, particularly ‘Chevallier’, grown in the Victorian era. It had good malting properties and made nice beer! My research looked at whether it produced beer that was up to modern standards, and also whether disease resistance led to a reduction in other quality traits. It was a great mix of pathology work, field trials, and learning about the beer brewing and malting process.

As part of my PhD, I spent time working with an industrial collaborator and learnt new skills alongside all that I was learning at JIC.

How did the Women in Wheat programme influence your career?

The programme really clarified the direction I wanted my career to go in. I knew that I was interested in the plant breeding industry, but I was unsure whether my skills would be relevant. Having a mentor who pushed me to go for what I wanted, and encouraged me to build a network, really helped with this.

What is your current job role?

I am a Cereal Pathologist at Limagrain. I assist with the formulation of new resistance breeding strategies and provide pathology information to breeders and commercial teams.

My work varies throughout the seasons. In summer, I collect phenotypic data in the field to understand which disease resistance genes are effective. This data is analysed over the autumn and winter months, alongside meeting breeding teams to strategise for the following year.

What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?

I see crops improving yearly – becoming more disease resistant, increasing in yield, developing greater tolerance to abiotic stress. Each year we see these improvements, our work becomes even more beneficial to farmers and growers.

I am always learning, which I love – it’s one of the reasons I chose to even start my PhD!

Do you have advice for current staff and students?

Whatever scientific area you are interested in, reach out to people in that sector. It is never as scary as it seems, and people are always happy to help. Find out as much as you can, send emails, and go to conferences! Whilst you are at the John Innes Centre, make the most of your time – it’s a very special place. Present your research in as many ways as possible, go to the bar on Fridays and get to know people.

What was the highlight of your time at JIC?

The sense of community. There is such a range of expertise in one place, and everyone is so generous with their knowledge and time. The social activities also mean that you’re fulfilled both inside and outside the scientific bubble.