Student testimonial
Testimonial Lara O'Shea-Farren
I am delighted that I completed my Master’s thesis at the Department of Nematology, where I was supervised by André Bertran and Aska Goverse. My thesis investigated the use of tandem TRV vectors during virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and also to trigger host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) through VIGS.
Throughout my thesis, I was provided with guidance when necessary and freedom where possible
Phytoene desaturase (PDS) was silenced in tandem with genes of interest in Solanum lycopersicum and Globodera rostochiensis. The overall goal of the project was to determine whether Globodera rostochiensis genes could be silenced using TRV tandem vectors, and whether the degree of silencing could be correlated to the above-ground photobleaching phenotype caused by silencing PDS.
Throughout my thesis, I was provided with guidance when necessary and freedom where possible. I learned a huge amount about silencing, and I acquired a wide range of new laboratory skills. In addition to academia, the Department of Nematology has a great friendly atmosphere, and it is easy to chat with everyone.