Dr. Veronica Roman-Reyna, an assistant professor at Penn State, with a specialization in plant microbiology, embarks on a exploration of genomics in agricultural systems. Her research is driven by a relentless pursuit to understand and mitigate the impact of plant pathogens on crop health and agricultural sustainability.
Delving into Genomic Epidemiology
Dr. Roman-Reyna's research revolves around unraveling the genomic epidemiology of plant pathogens. By harnessing advanced sequencing technologies, she aims to dissect the genetic architecture underlying plant diseases, shedding light on their emergence and spread within agricultural ecosystems.
Insights Gleaned from Genomic Analyses
In a recent study investigating a geranium disease outbreak, Dr. Roman-Reyna utilized state-of-the-art sequencing tools to analyze the genetic composition of the culprit bacterium, C. anonas hortorum. The findings provided crucial insights into the role of plasmids in conferring resistance to heavy metals like copper, commonly employed in agricultural treatments.
Unveiling Evolutionary Trends of Resistance
Her research delves deeper into understanding the evolutionary dynamics of antibiotic resistance. Through meticulous tracking of resistance gene movement across bacterial strains and agricultural settings, Dr. Roman-Reyna aims to unravel the intricate mechanisms facilitating gene transfer and adaptation in response to agricultural practices.
Charting a Course Towards Predictive Genomics
Looking ahead, Dr. Roman-Reyna is poised to explore predictive genomics as a proactive strategy against antibiotic resistance. By identifying potential reservoirs of resistance genes and conducting controlled evolution experiments, she endeavors to develop preemptive measures to curb the spread of antibiotic resistance in agricultural environments.
Collaborative Endeavors and Holistic Solutions
Dr. Roman-Reyna emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling agricultural challenges. By fostering partnerships with experts from diverse fields such as livestock management and food science, she seeks to devise holistic solutions to safeguard agricultural productivity and human well-being.
In summary, Dr. Veronica Roman-Reyna's pioneering research in genomic epidemiology offers a promising pathway towards addressing the complex challenges posed by plant pathogens in agricultural systems.
Learn more by watching the full presentation as featured in the March Member Spotlight.