'I love to puzzle together how plants function'

What is your research about?

My research focuses on understanding plant roots for the development of more productive crops. Specifically, I look at the anatomy and architecture of crop roots to identify and understand traits that enable plants to take up and use nutrients and water more efficiently.

Why do you think it’s important to do research on this subject?

Currently, one of the greatest challenges facing the human species is to produce higher crop yields with fewer inputs and using sustainable practices. Root traits have important roles in soil resource capture, especially in environments with suboptimal water and nutrient availability. Understanding roots are important for the development of crop varieties that are resilient to stress.

How did you get so passionate about this research subject?

When I was younger, I remember sunny afternoons spent as a child picking strawberries in the garden and planting seeds I extracted from an apple, my afternoon snack. However, my scientific interest in plant science developed when I was at university and realized that plant science was fascinating (and did not require dissecting any animals)! I love the challenge and opportunity to puzzle together how plants function.

If there were no limits in time and budget, what would you like to discover in the future?

If there were no time limits and budget, I would develop a technology that can image roots growing in the field and and where they take up water and nutrients. Currently, we do not have any practical solutions for visualizing root growth over the growth season in the field, and digging up roots the old fashioned way with a shovel is hard work!

How do you like working at WUR?

I really enjoy working in the Centre for Crop Systems Analysis at WUR. The diversity of people and topics at WUR stimulate ideas and help push boundaries to improve our world. While working at WUR, I have had the chance to collaborate with amazing colleagues who inspire, motivate, and teach me new things every day.