Droevendaalsesteeg 10
6708 PB Wageningen
The Netherlands
Social
About
I am fascinated by the interactions between plants and their microbiomes. In my research, I investigate their potential for plant growth and protection against plant pathogens.
Biography
Over the past 10 years, my research has focused on the impact of plant-associated microorganisms on plant growth and health by coupling culturomic, metabolomic and genomic approaches. Currently, I am leading a research project on the diversity and functions of yeasts associated with plant leaves. In particularly, we explore their spatial and temporal distribution, interactions, and genomes to get insight into their ecology as well as their potential for crop protection against pathogens. I am also involved in different international consortia investigating the impact of plant domestication on the microbial community composition and functions.
Research groups
CV
Employment
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2022–PresentGroup Leader, NIOO-KNAW
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2020–2019Postdoctoral Researcher, Leiden University
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2016–2019Postdoctoral Researcher, NIOO-KNAW
Education
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2011–2016PhD Microbial Ecology & Phytopathology (Wageningen University,The Netherlands)
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2009–2011MSc Plant Biotechnology (Wageningen University,The Netherlands)
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2004–2008BSc Biology (State University of Maringa, Brazil)
Grants
2011
EPS Talent Program
PhD students
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2020–PresentLinda Gouka
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2019–PresentStalin Sarango
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2015–2020Kay Moisan
Publications
Projects & collaborations
Projects
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Galapagos Microbiome Project
An international research team led by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) is to search for invisible life in the Galápagos Islands. The diversity of bacteria and other microscopic organisms may not be evident to the naked eye, but it is essential to nature. To the islands' giant daisies, for instance: unique endemic plants that are currently under threat.
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Matrix - Diversity and functions of the phyllosphere microbiome
In this project we study the taxonomic and functional diversity of the phyllosphere microbiome of wheat. Together with our Danish and US partners, we isolate and characterize yeasts and bacteria living on and in the flag leaf of wheat. The ultimate goal is to identify novel phyllosphere microbes that contribute to tolerance of wheat plants exposed to abiotic and biotic stresses.
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Back to the Roots - II
The overall goal of the project is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the biodiversity and functions of microorganisms in the spermosphere and (endo)rhizosphere of ancestors of different crops species grown in their native habitat.
Featured in
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Tomato
Tomato
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The Galápagos Microbiome Project: voyage of discovery to an invisible world
How unique and diverse is the invisible life of the Galápagos Islands? That is the key question to which a team of international researchers, led by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), is seeking answers. This year, they went on an expedition to the iconic islands to study the microbial life there. Insights from their research can contribute to the conservation of indigenous plant species and, in particular, Scalesia: the giant daisy.
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Galápagos (4): the expedition film
An international research team led by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), the University of San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and the Galápagos Science Centre (GSC) is to search for invisible life on the Galápagos Islands. The diversity of bacteria and other microscopic organisms may not be evident to the naked eye, but it is essential to nature. The research team will uncover the yet unknown microbial world that Darwin could not see. Specific focus is given to microorganisms associated with the islands' giant daisies (Scalesia): unique endemic plants that are currently threatened by extinction.
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Galápagos (3): Back home and prepping for data analysis
An international research team led by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) has been searching for invisible life in the iconic Galápagos Islands. Part three.
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Galápagos (2): Next generation technology
An international research team led by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) is searching for invisible life in the iconic Galápagos Islands. Part two.
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Galápagos (1): A spectacular adventure
An international research team led by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) is searching for invisible life in the iconic Galápagos Islands.
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Enhancing Soil Biodiversity
At NIOO, we are on a mission to explore the strange world beneath our feet, to seek out new soil-borne life, uncover new miniature civilisations, and to boldly take humankind where it could not go before.
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Expedition to uncover invisible life in Galápagos
An international research team led by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) is to search for invisible life in the Galápagos Islands.
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Kay Moisan wins Hugo de Vries Award
16/04/2021 Kay Moisan has won the 2020 Hugo de Vries Award, for her PhD thesis on odours released by soil fungi and their effects on plants.