The Geddes Lab at North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a dynamic hub for cutting-edge research in plant-microbe interactions. Composed of a diverse group of scientists, the lab is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of microbial ecosystems and their impact on plant health and agricultural productivity. Among the talented researchers contributing to this mission is Brooke Benz, a PhD candidate whose work is significantly advancing our understanding of the barley phyllosphere microbiome.
Meet Brooke Benz: Exploring Plant-Microbe Interactions
Brooke Benz, originally from Dickinson, ND, joined the Geddes Lab in the fall of 2021. Co-supervised by Dr. Tom Baldwin from NDSU Plant Pathology, Brooke’s research delves into the intricate world of plant-microbe interactions and microbial ecology. Her PhD project specifically focuses on the phyllosphere microbiome of barley spikes, investigating how this microbial community responds to different barley genotypes and the devastating Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) disease.
Brooke’s research is critical in understanding how the genetic makeup of barley plants influences the microbial communities residing on their surfaces, and how these communities are altered in the presence of FHB, a major threat to barley production worldwide. By exploring these dynamics, Brooke aims to identify potential strategies to manipulate the phyllosphere microbiome for improved disease resistance and plant health.
Investigating the Barley Phyllosphere Microbiome
To unravel the complexities of the barley phyllosphere microbiome, Brooke employs advanced molecular techniques. Amplicon sequencing allows her to characterize the bacterial and fungal community shifts occurring in response to host genotype and FHB infection. This method provides a detailed snapshot of the microbial diversity and composition.
Further enhancing her research, Brooke utilizes metagenomic sequencing to explore the functional potential of these microbial communities. Metagenomics goes beyond simply identifying the microbes present; it reveals the genes and metabolic pathways encoded within the entire community. This approach offers insights into the roles different microbes play in the phyllosphere and how they might interact with each other and the barley plant.
By combining amplicon and metagenomic sequencing, Brooke Benz is generating a comprehensive understanding of the barley phyllosphere microbiome, paving the way for potential biocontrol strategies and innovative approaches to manage Fusarium Head Blight in barley. Her work is not only contributing to the scientific community but also holds significant implications for sustainable agriculture and food security.
Life Beyond the Lab
While deeply committed to her research, Brooke also enjoys a well-rounded life outside the lab. Her hobbies include playing board games and video games, spending quality time with family and friends, indulging in reading, and relaxing with her cat while watching movies. This balance between rigorous scientific inquiry and personal interests highlights Brooke’s multifaceted personality and her ability to thrive in both academic and personal spheres.
The Geddes Lab: A Collaborative Environment
Brooke Benz is an integral part of the Geddes Lab, a team known for its collaborative and supportive environment. The lab is home to a diverse group of researchers, including Megan Ramsett, the Research Specialist who ensures the lab operates smoothly, and fellow PhD candidates like Urmi Das, Garret Levin, Jake Schumacher, Gayathri Senanayake, and Joan Acaso, each contributing unique expertise to the lab’s overall research goals. Masters students like Ahmad al-Ahmad, Natalie Visich, Mia Haugan, and Iveta Casey further enrich the lab’s dynamic research landscape.
The Geddes Lab, under the leadership of Dr. Geddes, provides a fertile ground for scientific discovery and innovation. Researchers like Brooke Benz are at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of plant-microbe interactions and contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.
Geddes Lab Alumni: Continuing the Legacy
The Geddes Lab also takes pride in its alumni, who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields. Notable alumni include Amanda Pease and Riley Williams (Masters graduates in 2024), Lucas Andes (Masters graduate in 2023), and others like Ahmad Ardi (Masters, 2022), Grace Loegering, Marisa Bennet, and Zoe Cho, each having contributed to the lab’s rich history of research and innovation.
Brooke Benz’s ongoing research exemplifies the Geddes Lab’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to training the next generation of scientists who will address critical challenges in agriculture and beyond. Her work on the barley phyllosphere microbiome is a testament to the lab’s impactful research and its contribution to the broader scientific community.
