PBGB grad student Marysia Zaleski-Cox wins Rossman and Thompson fellowship awards
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EmailThis week's featured scholar shares a deep passion for plant breeding for the common good with mentors and fellow students here at MSU
Originally from Toronto, Marisa says she is enjoying her time at MSU so far. "In particular, I appreciate the breadth of classes available. I also think size of the department means there are many people with deep expertise in the areas I work in - a valuable resource."
Early on in her bachelor’s degree program, Marisa says her curiosity about plant breeding was sparked by the problems plaguing Chestnut trees, which once provided important economic and nutritional value. "During my environmental biology undergrad, I was first drawn into breeding by the work being done by the American Chestnut Foundation. After taking an introductory plant breeding course I began my honors thesis with Valerio Hoyos-Villegas in his pulse breeding lab and have been working with him since. I'd say beans chose me, but given their value as a source of plant based protein, fiber and micronutrients I can't think of a crop I would rather be working on.
Marisa has definite goals to fulfill, and feels these fellowships will help a lot. "Ultimately, I'd be happy if my career contributed in some small way to providing people with nutritious food that is sustainable for the future. These fellowships will be used for travel to conferences. My hope is that continuing to meet fellow researchers studying what I am will add nuance to my understanding of the question I am trying to answer.
In all her spare time (!) Marisa enjoys the abundant sunshine and great soils mid-Michigan has to offer: "I love gardening! Having a plot provided by the Greater Lansing Foodbank Garden Project at the Slater Park community garden has been one of my favorite parts of living in Lansing. “
