Connor R Fitzpatrick
Education:
2018
PhD, University of Toronto, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
2010
BSc, University of British Columbia, Plant Biology
Project Description:
My main focus in the GRANGL lab is to uncover the mechanisms underlying root-inhabiting Actinobacterial enrichment under drought. Across diverse plant species the root endosphere undergoes substantial shifts under drought, driven by the enrichment of members of the bacterial phylum Actinobacteria. The drought-induced plasticity of the root microbiome suggests that it may be an effective target for mitigating the costs of drought in agricultural settings. However, to pursue this aim we need a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the enrichment and host plant benefits of root-inhabiting Actinos. Additionally, I'm working towards an understanding of host plant benefits of the root microbiome under pathogen attack and microbial adaptation in the plant root.