Yoonseon Do: For experimental skills and quantitative genetic analysis, Nematology is the best place to be

First of all, as a Plant Sciences student, we learned in lectures that plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) are crucial biotic stress factors. However, we rarely get to see how this knowledge is applied in the real world. During my first meeting with my supervisor, I was amazed by the fact that Quantitative Locus Traits (QTL) mapping can be used not only for plant genomes but also for nematode genomes. In plant breeding, QTL mapping is an important tool, and at the Laboratory of Nematology, I had the opportunity to learn how to apply it in practice.

My thesis focused on Globodera pallida, a potato cyst nematode. The main objectives were: 1) study its genetic diversity and 2) identify the virulence associated alleles by genotyping G. pallida field populations. Through this opportunity, I was able to conduct DNA isolation, qPCR, DNA sequencing, and QTL mapping with bulk segregant analysis. It was the perfect place to develop both practical skills and in-depth knowledge of plant parasitic nematodes!

I often needed help with my experiments, and everyone was incredibly welcoming and supportive. As I am from South Korea, I appreciated the open and collaborative environment - there was no hierarchy between students and professors, which made my work more efficient. I also had the opportunity to attend PhD defenses from the NEMA group, and it was my first experience as well. On top of that, they organized fun social activities, and my favorite was the Christmas dinner, where everyone could participate in a cooking competition in a fun way!

If someone asks me to join the NEMA group again, I will definitely say “yes”! If you want to learn experimental skills and quantitative genetic analysis, this is the best place to be. I grew both personally and professionally – it was not just a thesis project but a journey, and NEMA was the bridge that made it possible.