Programming/engineering tools to understand plant-pathogen interactions
Jennifer Lewis, Professor
Plant and Microbial Biology
Applications for Fall 2024 are closed for this project.
The plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae causes disease in a large number of different plant species. Virulence is primarily achieved by the type III secretion system, which secretes and translocates effector proteins into the plant. Many of these effector proteins are believed to suppress host defense signaling. However recognition of these effector proteins by resistance (R) proteins induces a defense response.
The Lewis lab seeks undergraduate students to assist in developing programming and engineering tools to investigate plant responses to bacterial pathogens. The candidate will develop scripts, and visualization platforms to image plants. The candidate will work closely with the lab’s principal investigator, Dr. Jennifer Lewis, and team members.
Role: The student will be responsible for:
- developing programming scripts
- constructing visualization systems for plant imaging
- maintaining a detailed lab notebook
- reading and understanding assigned readings
- contributing to the smooth operation of the lab
- working cooperatively with lab members
- maintaining a courteous and safe laboratory environment
Successful completion of the project will require:
- satisfactory (and preferably excellent) lab work, including an ability to take direction, carry out tasks to completion, punctuality and completion of agreed upon hours
- maintenance of a detailed and neat lab notebook, including writing detailed protocols, observations and general organization of project
- demonstrated understanding of assigned readings
Qualifications: The student should have demonstrated skills in programming and bioinformatics, including a working knowledge of Python and familiarity with the Raspbian environment, and relevant coursework in these areas. They should be strongly interested in applying these skills to plant pathology. The student should be highly motivated, conscientious, able to work independently and as part of a team, and carry out experiments to completion. A class schedule that accommodates 3-4 hour blocks of time is necessary. Some remote work is possible.
Preferred skills include: experience with Java and C, familiarity with the Arduino IDE, familiarity with CAD software and 3D printing, knowledge of soldering and using a breadboard.
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: Plant Gene Expression Center 800 Buchanan St. Albany, CA
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