Ph.D. Student
Biology, McMaster University
ippoliti@mcmaster.ca
I became a member of the SyM3 lab as a PhD student in September 2023. I joined the SyM3 lab as I am interested in studying host-microbe relationships, bioinformatics, and environmental antibiotic resistance. My research involves studying phytobiomes after exposure to antibiotics. I am investigating shifts in taxonomy and function within these phytobiomes as well as how plants associated with these phytobiomes are impacted as a result.
Ph.D. Student
Biology, McMaster University
salehimz@mcmaster.ca
I started my Phd journey at Sym3 laboratory in September 2023. I joined this laboratory due to my curiosity in establishing a connection between phage research and agriculture in order to identify solutions for agricultural issues, particularly in the region of Ontario. I have chosen the title “Unlocking Nature’s Secret Weapon: Harnessing Phage-rhizobia Interactions to Minimize Competition in the rhizobia Soil Microbiome for Sustainable Agriculture” for my PhD thesis. My objective is to utilize the multifunctional capabilities of phages to reduce competition challenges among rhizobia strains, which hinder the optimal utilization of rhizobia as a biofertilizer. I am enthusiastic in sharing my discoveries.
M.Sc. student
Biology, McMaster University
perrye2@mcmaster.ca
I’m completing my M.Sc. in Biology studying the interactions among soil microbes called rhizobia. Rhizobia are nitrogen–fixing powerhouses that have been around for around 50 million years providing plants with the nitrogen they require for survival. They do this by forming mutualistic relationships with a variety of legumes wherein they receive energy from the plant in exchange for their fixed nitrogen. Researchers and farmers have been trying to harness their nitrogen fixing power to supplement and replace traditional chemical nitrogen fertilizers which contribute significantly to global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. The use of rhizobia and other microorganisms to amend soil is known as biofertilization and is often very effective. However, rhizobia-based biofertilizers are not always consistent – they can fail to provide the expected benefits observed in greenhouse settings. I am exploring how inter-strain interactions, specifically competitive interactions among rhizobia, may inhibit rhizobial nitrogen-fixing capabilities with the ultimate goal of improving inoculant production.
