
Dr. Yoselin Benitez-Alfonzo, Biology, Leeds
This research project will be dedicated to studying how the microchannels in the cell wall, plasmodesmata, are regulated and how they impact communication between plant roots and the symbiotic fungi arbuscular mycorrhiza (AMF). Lines expressing a protein affecting callose deposition (a regulator of plasmodesmata opening) will be infected with the fungi and colonisation will be scored. Primarily supervised by early career researchers in the lab environment, the student will learn skills in plant growth, phenotyping, AMF colonisation, callose staining, and immuno-techniques to identify components of the fungi and the plant cell walls. This research project is additionally linked to ‘Black in Plant Sciences’, a network that provides support to researchers of Black heritage studying plant science. Therefore as well as the lab focus the student will also develop a written piece based on black researchers such as George Washington Carver who pioneered methods to prevent soil depletion and plant diseases. Ideas for outreach activities will also be welcome. The student will be presenting their work in lab meetings and be welcome to social and professional activities with the lab team. Students will need to find their own accommodation and be expected to present their findings orally at a research day in York in September 2025.