PBGB grad student Asmaa Morsi wins Rossman and Thompson fellowship awards
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EmailOur featured scholar chose Michigan State University because of its "strong reputation in plant science research and the opportunity to work with leading experts in plant sciences."
- Where are you from? What is your undergraduate degree in?
I am originally from Egypt, and currently I am a permanent resident of the USA. I came to the United States 15 years ago with my husband to pursue his Ph.D. at Purdue University in Indiana. I earned my bachelor’s degree in plant Genetics from the College of Agriculture at Assiut University in Egypt and later obtained my master’s degree from the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, at Purdue University.
- What made you come to MSU? How has your experience been so far?
I chose Michigan State University because of its strong reputation in plant science research and the opportunity to work with leading experts in plant sciences. My experience at MSU has been great. I have gained valuable knowledge through both coursework and research, and I truly appreciate the supportive and collaborative environment within the department.
- What is your current project?
My research is focused on two different projects related to Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) disease in sugar beet. The first project investigates plant–microbe interactions, where I study how CLS disease progression influences the microbial community on the leaf surface, both with and without fungicide application, and how these dynamics differ between resistant and susceptible sugar beet lines.
The second project involves screening 150 sugar beet lines with different levels of resistance and susceptibility to CLS in the greenhouse. The goal is to identify potential genes responsible for CLS disease resistance using molecular and genomic tools.
- What is it about plant breeding that drives your curiosity?
Although my research is not directly focused on plant breeding, I am fascinated by how genetic diversity can be utilized to solve real-world agricultural challenges. The process of improving crops, enhancing disease resistance, yield, and stress tolerance, is both scientifically engaging and vital for global food security.
- What is your ultimate goal for your career?
My goal is to pursue a research career focused on developing disease-resistant and high-yielding crops. I am especially interested in further investigating plant–microbe interactions and using that knowledge to create sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions for agriculture, such as improving crop yields and enhancing plant resilience to stress and pathogens. I hope to integrate molecular genetics and bioinformatics approaches to advance these goals under challenging conditions.
