Effect of habitat biodiversity on virus host range evolution

Profile

 I took interest in plant viruses since my first degree, so for my bachelor final project, I screened ten plant extracts for their antiviral properties against Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV), with the aim of identifying sources of natural control against CABMV. For my Erasmus Masters’ degree in Plant health, I chose to do an internship to investigate the effects of the asymptomatic Southern tomato virus (STV) in tomato plants. Also, I did my master thesis at the Institute for Sugar beet research, Goettingen, where I gained a deeper experience with viruses using an advanced reverse genetics technique called virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). Maybe I'm just obsessed with plant viruses?

I like to sing and listen to classical music: I enjoy playing my violin when I can. I also like adventurous travel and discoveries. While indoors, I find it refreshing to get lost in the pages of epic historical novels.