Farm to Globe: Transforming Our Food Systems presents:
From Lab to Field: Genomic, Microbial, Biogeochemical Studies
The sterile environment of the laboratory seems a world away from the soil of the farm. However, our panelists will prove that what we can learn in the lab can change the way we farm forever. From looking at soil-root-microbiome associations, mapping proteins in pest-host interactions, and so much more, explore the bustling intersection between microbiology, genetics, biogeochemistry and agriculture, and learn the incredible ways these methods are skyrocketing our knowledge and understanding of our farm ecosystems.
About the Presenters
JT Cornelis – UBC LFS
Dr. JT Cornelis is a pedologist and biogeochemist, Assistant Professor in Soil Science at the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia. JT comes from the University of Liège (Belgium), where he was appointed as an Assistant Professor in Soil Science. He received a PhD from the Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain (Belgium) in 2010. His research investigates soil processes controlling biogeochemical cycles of nutrients and how soil-plant feedback interactions respond to environmental changes. His process-based approach focuses on the soil system, which is by nature multi-scale and interdisciplinary. JT takes as an advantage the complexity and diversity of soil processes to teach students the notion of critical thinking and complex thought. Daddy of two little boys, outdoor enthusiast, big fan of surrealism, he loves to brainstorm new ideas.
Dr. Karen Fong – AAFC
Dr. Karen Fong leads a food microbiomics research program that is focused on investigating pathogen mitigation (Salmonella, Verotoxin-producing E. coli). Her group primarily uses omics technology to characterize novel approaches to ensure the safety and security of the Canadian food supply. Additional research interests include: food and environmental metagenomics, antimicrobial resistance, and microbiology of fresh produce commodities. Karen was born and raised in the Okanagan region of BC. She holds a PhD in Food Science from The University of British Columbia and was a recipient of Canadian Dairy Commission & NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Doctoral Scholarship.
Dr. Zayda Morales Moreira – UBC Science
Moderator: Dr. Zayda Morales Moreira received her PhD in Applied Microbiology from University of Saskatchewan in 2021 working on wheat, canola, and lentil microbiomes. She completed her Masters in Agricultural Microbiology in Brazil at Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia and her Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology in Ecuador at Army Polytechnic School. She is interested in how plant microbiomes are assembled, transmitted, and preserved in response to specific biotic and abiotic stresses. Zayda is currently a postdoctoral fellow in the Haney Lab
The Farm to Globe: Transforming Our Food Systems series is brought to you by the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (CSFS), the BC Food Web, the Faculty of Land and Food Systems (LFS), and the Royal Bank of Canada. This webinar series focuses on what needs fixing in our food systems and the innovative solutions which could affect change for the better.
