Student testimonial

Xinjia Zhang: Shedding Light on Nematodes — A Journey from Curiosity to Discovery

I’m a Master’s student in Plant Biotechnology, and from September 2024 to March 2025, I completed my thesis in the Nematology group. My interest in nematodes began after I took a course with the group earlier in my studies. That course opened up a whole new world beneath the soil surface and sparked my fascination with these tiny yet powerful organisms.

For my thesis, I explored a rather unconventional question: Does light influence the life cycle of plant-parasitic nematodes? While nematodes live in the soil and are not directly exposed to light, I was curious whether light—direct or indirect—could affect their development, behavior, or timing. This led me to design and carry out a series of experiments, where I had the freedom to develop my own ideas and approaches. It was both exciting and challenging, and I learned a great deal—not only about nematodes, but also about the research process itself.

What made this experience especially enjoyable was the atmosphere in the lab. The Nematology group is incredibly friendly and supportive. Whenever I had questions or ran into problems, there was always someone ready to help or discuss ideas.

I’m especially grateful to my supervisors, who not only guided me throughout the project but also encouraged me to think independently and explore my own ideas. Their support, patience, and trust gave me the confidence to take initiative and grow as a young student.

This thesis journey strengthened my passion for plant–microbe interactions and sustainable agriculture. It showed me how much there is still to discover—even about organisms as small as nematodes—and how curiosity can lead to meaningful research.