Through UBC’s Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund, these faculty members are taking time to update or develop new courses, and create richer online content for the future hybrid learning environment. As part of the process, they have invited students to join their project teams to share their insights.
Dr. Lindsay Cuff
Dr. Lindsay Cuff, Assistant Professor of Teaching in LFS and Forestry, is leading a group of UBC instructors and students in updating scholarly writing curriculum adapted to a flexible hybrid teaching environment. The transformed curriculum, including new online learning modules and in-class extension activities, will impact first-year students and will thread through their undergraduate degrees into second-, third-, and fourth-year, fostering students’ growth, persistence, and identity as writers in scholarly communities.
Last year, Dr. Cuff launched a free, online textbook on scholarly writing called Writing Place. She wants to empower students to contribute to scholarly conversations and have them consider how their contributions can be shared beyond the university.
Dr. Ronaldo Cerri
Dr. Ronaldo Cerri, Associate Professor and Director of UBC’s Dairy Education and Research Centre, is updating two animal health and physiology courses (APBI 312 and APBI 410) to create more hybrid learning opportunities aimed at improving student engagement, understanding of concepts and knowledge retention. By providing students with a hybrid model of teaching, Dr. Cerri also hopes to reach a wider range of students with new learning opportunities. He will be supported by graduate students on this project.
Dr. Sumeet Gulati
The Food and Resource Economics (FRE) group, led by Professor Dr. Sumeet Gulati, will develop new courses for students in the undergraduate and graduate programs. The motivation is twofold: to fill in knowledge gaps in this relatively new program; and, to create in-class and online course materials. The new courses will include two undergraduate courses focussing on data analysis, and two graduate courses in microeconomics and econometrics. Graduate students will support FRE faculty members on the project team.
Developing Wildlife Welfare Policy Throughout the Province
Erin A. Ryan Bsc/MSc Applied Animal Biology
May 11, 2023 – Alumna Erin A. Ryan’s (BSc/MSc Applied Animal Biology) career sits at the intersection of science, community, and social good. From developing wildlife welfare policy to furthering Equity, Diversity, and Reconciliation in her field, Ryan’s work is multi-faceted and wide-reaching.
Ryan’s family history with the Faculty spans generations. She first learned of the Applied Biology program in 2008, when she attended a ceremony where her grandfather received an LFS Centenary Award for his outstanding achievements as an alumni. Celebrated LFS alumnus Len Marchand (BSc Agriculture 1958) had a groundbreaking career in politics as the first person of Indigenous status to serve as a Member of Parliament, but Ryan thinks of her grandfather as a scientist at heart.
“He was so proud I was going to UBC,” Ryan said. “And especially because I would be an Aggie like him.”
In the Applied Biology program, Ryan discovered her professional calling in the science of animal welfare. She currently works at the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) as a Specialist in Wild Animal Welfare.
Ryan’s initial focus was on urban wildlife, but she now works on provincial wildlife welfare initiatives that focus on public communication and advocacy. Ryan translates research and best practices into clear and actionable statements for implementation.
From her experience working for the BC SPCA, Ryan found a gap in the published research. There was a good body of research in humane control for most wildlife, but for mice and rats, research was mostly focussed on selecting the least harmful option of removal. Ryan wanted to find practices that actively considered humaneness instead and decided to pursue a master’s degree, which she completed in 2021.
Ryan at the BCSPCA
Ryan describes her return to LFS as a homecoming, and her research on more humane pest control has actively shifted provincial policy. While defending her thesis, Ryan and fellow alumna Dr. Sara Dubois (PhD Applied Animal Biology 2014) were consulted by the provincial government to help inform new regulations on rodenticides and pest control.
The province made the first set of temporary restrictions in July 2021, banning the non-essential use of Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs), which are the most potent rodenticides and cause secondary poisoning for hawks, coyotes, and other predators. In January this year, the restrictions were made permanent. Along with restricting the sale of SGARs, these changes led to more proactive solutions that targeted the root cause of rodent infestations.
Ryan’s goal as a science communicator is to create policy that reflects all aspects of welfare, including those affected by systemic and societal biases. In 2020, Ryan joined the new BC SPCA Equity, Diversity, and Reconciliation working group, formed as a response to increased public attention on reconciliation.
Members vary by location throughout the province, to ensure that welfare concerns and communications are not limited to urban centres or any particular region. In the three years since its inception, Ryan has worked with the group to publish their Foundational Principles for Equity, Diversity, and Reconciliation. The increased public attention has given Ryan hope.
“People are listening now,” Ryan said. “They won’t stand for lip service anymore, and organizations are trying to make meaningful change. This work is just beginning.”
Improving Clinical Practice in Pediatrics: The Importance of Patient-centred Care
Brock Williams PhD candidate in Human Nutrition
Brock Williams, a PhD candidate in Human Nutrition and a Registered Dietitian, has worked in pediatric nutrition for almost a decade. He says that research approaches have changed significantly over the years.
“In the research field, we’re used to disseminating information through publications and journals and going to conferences,” explains Williams. “We’re much more aware now that we have to involve patient partners in planning and designing research so that we’re asking the important questions that patients want to have answered.”
Williams is currently finishing up his PhD where he is studying folic acid supplementation in children with sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder that causes a rapid turnover of red blood cells. Folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, helps to produce red blood cells but since it is now in our food systems through mandatory fortification, researchers have questioned whether children still need to take supplements. Additionally, from the patient perspective, taking a daily folate supplement in addition to multiple other medications can be burdensome for children.
A major component of Williams’s project was leading a clinical trial looking at whether current clinical practice needs to be re-evaluated.
“It’s a very involved process but I think the exciting thing about doing clinical trials is that the outcomes can really influence clinical practice,” says Williams. “I decided to go into a PhD because I wanted to conduct research that generates more evidence for clinical practice in pediatrics.”
Williams explains that the current practice for folic acid supplementation in sickle cell disease is largely based on results from a study that was done in 1983.
“A lot of the evidence that we have for this widespread clinical practice is old and very scarce so for this project in particular, there was a big need to have more high-quality evidence to answer that question.”
For his post-doctoral research, Williams will be joining the Division of Allergy at BC Children’s Hospital, where he will focus on identifying the challenges and barriers that caregivers experience in introducing and regularly feeding infants commonly allergenic foods, such as peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, sesame, shellfish, fish, and wheat.
In 2019, the Canadian Paediatric Society introduced new recommendations on preventing food allergies in babies: common allergenic foods can be introduced into the diet of children who are at higher risk of developing a food allergy around six months, but not before four months of life. This was a significant change from advice in the early 2000s, which was to delay the introduction of common allergens to children until later in life – up to two years old.
This shift resulted from large, well-designed clinical trials that demonstrated the benefit of earlier introduction of allergenic foods, particularly peanut and egg, for the primary prevention of food allergy.
Williams explains that major issues for implementing the guidelines are often centred around convenience: lifestyle inconvenience and challenges with food preparation. Other issues include infant refusal of foods and parental perceptions around reactions to foods, where a child might have a skin issue or digestive issue and parents might perceive that as an allergic reaction.
With the research team at BC Children’s Hospital, Williams will be working closely with families to address these issues, develop unique strategies to overcome them, and promote frequent intake to maintain tolerance.
Communicating this type of research to the general public is also a priority: “We can’t just publish in journals and go to conferences. We have to disseminate the information in an accessible way so that individuals who are affected by certain conditions can see what’s happening in research and what the advances are too.”
Some of the communication initiatives that Williams and clinician-researchers at BC Children’s Hospital are planning include social media outreach and webinars, in partnership with organizations like Food Allergy Canada.
“At BC Children’s, parents of children with food allergies have expressed to us that they wished this information was accessible to them when they started introducing solid foods to their infants, and that accurate, evidence-based guidance on social media would have been so helpful.”
This issue showcases some remarkable up-and-coming researchers. PhD candidate Brock Williams, in our Human Nutrition program, is doing work on two fronts to help families manage health issues. His PhD research is updating studies on how much folic acid supplementation is needed for children with sickle cell disease, including whether clinical practices need to be re-evaluated based on our changing food system. In his upcoming post-doctoral research, he’ll be working with caregivers to safely introduce potential allergens to infants.
Wilson Mendes is another PhD candidate, an interdisciplinary scholar who aims to expand Indigenous land-based education programs in urban spaces. This is based on his recent community research and experience at the three Indigenous Gardens at UBC Farm, where he saw the importance that culturally relevant and safe spaces can have in reclaiming self-determination and in cultural revitalization.
Varinia Cabrera is an exchange student from Uruguay who chose to study at our Animal Welfare Program to build a bridge between research in her home country and here at UBC. She is a master’s engineering student who builds technology to improve outcomes for animals in agriculture. She’s gaining knowledge about animal welfare practices and technology used in Canada, while providing her expertise to our researchers.
And lastly, changing weather patterns is top of mind for many people. What impact can extreme weather have on wildlife and biodiversity? Dr. Matthew Mitchell has collected data from the 2020 wildfire season and 2021 heat dome in B.C. to begin tracking the behaviour of bats, birds and mammals at UBC Farm. His study helps take a long-term look at how animals behave in extreme weather conditions.
Tony Yang, Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant Award recipient
Classroom learning: Insights from teaching award recipient
Tony Yang, a master’s student in Human Nutrition, was awarded the Faculty’s 2023 Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant Award to recognize his exceptional work enhancing student learning.
Throughout his master’s degree, Yang supported multiple LFS undergraduate courses, including FNH 160 (Integrated Physiology for Human Nutrition I), FNH 350 (Fundamentals of Nutrition), and FNH 477 (Nutrition and Disease Prevention).
By creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment, Yang helped students feel free to collaborate and learn. He encouraged students to explore their own interests, and tried to cater to each student’s individual needs and learning styles.
“When students were having difficulty grasping a concept, I treated them the way I would want to be treated if I were in their position,” Yang says. He tried to avoid just directly providing the correct answer to students if they got something wrong.
“The most rewarding part was during mid-term viewing sessions. When I saw a student struggling to grasp a concept, we would walk through their logic, and from there we’d identify where the logic didn’t connect. I tried not to give answers right away.
It’s important that students reach an answer using their own understanding. They’ll be able to recall it later better because they found it on their own terms.”
Yang finished his undergraduate studies in 2020 (BSc FNH) and was heavily involved in the LFS community during those years. He speaks fondly of his time at Agora Café where he made several friends with the other volunteers. He said it was a good learning experience managing the café and working as the catering manager who oversaw external orders.
It was in a third-year class that he discovered Dr. Barbara Stefanska’s research on molecular nutrition and cancer, specifically nutritional epigenomics. He was excited by Dr. Stefanska’s research and asked to volunteer in her lab, then decided to pursue a master’s degree to study human nutrition under her supervision. He recently completed his master’s thesis investigating pterostilbene, a compound found abundantly in blueberries, and its anti-cancer effects in liver cancer cells.
Yang also learned some things about himself during his time as a teaching assistant with his biggest takeaway being the realization that he truly enjoyed teaching – maybe even a little more than research: “I get more fulfillment interacting with students than looking at my machines and test tubes all day!”
This leads to a perfect next step for Yang – following graduation, he will be joining Capilano University as an Instructor for an Introductory Nutrition course.
Yang’s advice to students: “Follow the learning objectives and treat them as their own exam questions. Also, don’t cram in your studies: study consistently throughout the term in shorter study blocks, frequently test your knowledge, and most importantly – remember to take breaks!“
What has been the best part of your university experience and your student life in LFS?
The people I’ve met, and all the moments and experiences I’ve shared with them. It’s really the culmination of all the little moments over the years — the inside jokes, the sense of pride after executing a successful event, or the excitement of welcoming new students to the campus on Imagine Day. These are just some of the good memories I’ll take away from my time at UBC.
How are you involved outside of your academics at UBC?
I have loved seeking a variety of involvements outside of my academics — in the past year, I have served as the LFS Student Senator, been on the UBC Student Leadership Conference planning team, and supported the LFS Mentorship Program as a Work Learn student.
I met so many friends through my different involvements and I’ve had such a great time supporting and building community in LFS. I really value the skills and experiences I’ve gained through my involvements, and consider them just as important as my academics!
As you approach graduation this Spring, what advice would you give to new students about how to build community at LFS?
For me, the hardest part was finding community and meeting others as a new student. My best piece of advice would be to keep an open mind to new opportunities no matter how scary they seem, and that it’s never too late to meet others and get involved! Utilize the different programs and resources available to you, and go from there.
How have LFS staff or faculty influenced your road to your potential career?
Big shout-out to the LFS Student Engagement Officer, Thilini Leitan, and the LFS Career Strategist, Rob Kim. The programming and resources they provide for LFS students, and the conversations I’ve had with them have had such an impact on me and have shaped my career directions.
Working in student affairs was definitely something I had never considered, but as I got more involved and began working closely with them both, I realized this was something I wanted to pursue for a career. I am very appreciative for all the support they provide students in the Faculty.
What excites you about becoming a member of the UBC LFS alumni community?
Knowing that even though I’ve graduated and am no longer a student, there are still many ways for me to stay connected with the Faculty. It’s reassuring to see the resources and programming both the Faculty and alumniUBC provide, whether it’s with the new LFS Young Alumni Council or coming back to the LFS Mentorship Program as a mentor.
And finally, what is your favorite place on campus to relax or study?
Hands down The Pod, which is the LFS Undergraduate Society lounge. I don’t get much studying done in there, but you can definitely bet that I am constantly taking a nap on the couches. I do my best work when I am well rested!
B.C. is facing warmer summers. What impact does this have on our food production?
Plant physiologist Dr. Thorsten Knipfer is researching the true water requirements of perennial plants grown in the region, with a current focus on hazelnuts, the only commercial nut crop grown in B.C. and one that is recovering from a recent occurrence of Eastern Filbert Blight disease.
With drought conditions intensifying during the growing season in B.C. due to lack of precipitation, Dr. Knipfer aims to help hazelnut growers maintain yield and crop quality without wasting irrigation water.
His team is delving into understanding the interaction of water and hazelnut plants by looking inside the plant – monitoring water tensions, water evaporation loss from leaves, and observing the fillings status of cells. High-tech devices and data collection are today’s tools of the trade.
“We are collaborating with BC Hazelnut Growers Association and Verdi, a start-up from UBC that is testing precision agriculture,” says Dr. Knipfer. “With Verdi, we’ll be installing water tracking verification systems using third-party sensors placed in hazelnut fields and custom software for data collection and analysis.”
To start, his lab is partnering with two hazelnut growers in the Fraser Valley to install water tracking systems. In addition, Dr. Knipfer’s team will be installing a precision irrigation system at UBC Totem Field to determine irrigation requirements of hazelnut trees.
“Water is one of our most valuable natural resources and sustainable water management through precision agriculture helps to protect our natural ecosystems through water conservation.”
Thorsten’s research was also featured in the Fall 2022 issue of ReachOut magazine. Read “Drought Resistance in Wine Grapes and Hazelnuts” here.
Coordinating Smooth Food Service Operations at a Hospital
Name
Daisy Shen
Title
Food Service Supervisor
Company
Peace Arch Hospital
Grad Year
2017
Program
Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health
Major
What were the highlights of university life at LFS and UBC?
April 19, 2023 – I was the External Executive of LFS Undergraduate Society from 2016 to 2017. I coordinated the first LFS Career Fair in 2017, inviting 20 companies and organizations to the event. The success of the Career Fair boosted my confidence before and after my graduation. I also led the External Team on the successful Macmillan Basement Upgrade Project.
As the Arbutus House President in Ponderosa Commons Residence Association (2016 to 2017), I liaised between residents and university housing staff and planned, organized, and implemented three house events to improve residence life and build community. I worked collaboratively with other council members to deliver PCRA events to create a strong program of events.
What are you currently working on?
I am a Food Service Supervisor at Peace Arch Hospital. I coordinate and supervise 30 food service workers to ensure smooth food service operation.
How did your time in LFS impact you in your career since graduating?
I got my Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutritional Sciences from LFS, which allows me to get a CSNM (Canadian Society of Nutrition Management) certificate. As the External Executive in LFS, I developed my leadership and organizational skills, enabling me to pursue a career in the health food service industry.
How do you stay connected to LFS and your alumni community?
I reach out to fellow alumni who work in similar industries, either having an in-person meet up or connecting via LinkedIn. By connecting, I grow my university life and career networks.
What advice would you give to new students about how to build community at LFS?
1) The LFS Mentorship Program to receive guidance and support from mentors. Mentors share their experience and insights on their studies and career path.
2) Join a student organization, such as LFS Undergraduate Society. You learn how to work in a team and build soft skills to support your future career goals.
What was your favorite hangout while studying at UBC? Your favorite place to eat?
The Rose Garden was my favorite hang out at UBC. The garden is filled with diverse types of roses and smells. It’s a wonderful place for taking pictures, especially during sunset and graduation. I had a lot of memories related to the garden.
My favorite place to eat was Mercante, located on the first floor of Ponderosa Maple House. Their pizza is Italian style made-to-order, with some vegetarian options too. I enjoyed eating while in the restaurant’s study room.
Dr. Rer. Nat. (Ph.D. eq.) in Genetics, summa cum laude 2005-2009 Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology and Heberard Karls Universität Tübingen, Germany Advisors: Prof. Detlef Weigel and Prof. Gerd Jürgens
Laurea (M.Sc. equivalent) in Plant Biotechnology, summa cum laude 2000-2005 Universitá degli Studi di Padova, Italy Advisors: Prof. Fiorella LoSchiavo and Prof. Serena Varotto
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Bercovich N., Genze N., Todesco M., Owens G.L., Légaré J.-S., Huang K., Rieseberg L.H., Grimm D.G. (2022) HeliantHOME, a public and centralized database of phenotypic sunflower data. Scientific Data 9(1), 1-9 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-022-01842-0
Huang K., Ostevik K.L., Elphinstone C., Todesco M., Bercovich N., Owens G.L., Rieseberg L.H. (2022) Mutation load in sunflower inversions is negatively correlated with inversion heterozygosity. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 10.1093/molbev/msac101.https://academic.oup.com/mbe/article/39/5/msac101/6583099.
Hübner S., Sisou D., Mandel T., Todesco M., Matzrafi M., Eizenberg H. (2022) Wild sunflower goes viral: citizen science and comparative genomics allow tracking the origin and establishment of invasive sunflower in the Levant. Molecular Ecology, 31 (7), 2061-2072. 10.1111/mec.16380.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mec.16380.
Todesco M.‡, Bercovich N., Kim A, Imerovski, I., Owens G.L., Dorado-Ruiz O., Holalu S.V., Madilao L.L., Jahani M., Légaré J.-S., Blackman B.K., Rieseberg L.H. (2022) Genetic basis and dual adaptive role of floral pigmentation in sunflowers. eLife, 11, e72072, doi:10.7554/eLife.72072.https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.26.449999v1.
Featured in Global News Morning (TV), CNWK Radio, Radio Canada, The Daily Mail, National Post, The Weather Network, The Weather Channel, The Scientist, The Conversation, eLife Podcast, National Geographic Magazine.
Owens G.L., Todesco M., Bercovich N., Légaré J.-S., Mitchell N., Whitney K.D., Rieseberg L.H. (2021) Standing variation rather than recent adaptive introgression likely underlies differentiation of the texanus subspecies of Helianthus annuus. Molecular Ecology, 10.1111/mec.16008. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mec.16008.
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Hubner S., Bercovich N., Todesco M., Mandel J.R., Odenheiner J., Ziegler E., Lee J.S., Baute G.J., Owens G.L., Grassa C.J., Ebert D.P., Ostevik K.L., Moyers B., Yakimowski S., Masalia R.R., Calic I., Bowers J.E., Kane N.C., Swanevelder D.Z.H., Kubach T., Muños S., Langdale N.B., Burke J.M., Rieseberg L.H. (2019). Sunflower pan-genome analysis shows that hybridization altered gene content and disease resistance. Nature Plants, 5(1):54-62. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-018-0329-0.
Zhu W., Zaidem M., Van de Weyer A.-L., Gutaker R.M., Chae E., Kim S.T., Bemm F., Li L., Todesco M., Schwab R., Unger F., Janis Beha M., Demar M., Weigel D. (2018). Modulation of ACD6 dependent hyperimmunity by natural alleles of an Arabidopsis thaliana NLR resistance gene. PLoS Genetics, 14(9):e1007628.https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1007628.
Yang L., Wang H., Hou X., Zou Y., Han T., Niu M., Zhang J., Zhao Z., Todesco M., Balasubramanian S., Guo Y. (2018) Parallel evolution of common allelic variants confers flowering diversity in Capsella rubella. Plant Cell, 30(6): 1322-1336.https://academic.oup.com/plcell/article/30/6/1322/6099237.
Owens, G.L., Todesco M., Drummond, E.B.M, Yeaman, S., Rieseberg, L.H. (2017) A novel post hoc method for detecting index switching finds no evidence for increased switching on the Illumina HiSeq X. Molecular Ecology Resources, 18(1):169-175. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1755-0998.12713.
Todesco M.‡, Cronk Q. (2017) The genetic dimension of pest pressure in the tropical rainforest. Molecular Ecology, 10.1111/mec.14078. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.14078.
Świadek M., Proost S., Sieh D., Yu J., Todesco M., Jorzig C., Rodriguez Cubillos A.E., Plötner B., Nikoloski Z., Chae E., Giavalisco P., Fischer A., Schröder F., Kim S.T., Weigel D., Laitinen R.A. (2017) Novel allelic variants in ACD6 cause hybrid necrosis in local collection of A. thaliana. New Phytologist, 26(9), 2407-2409. https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/nph.14155.
Todesco M.‡, Felippes, F.F. (2015) Why benthamiana went viral. Trends in Plant Science, 21(1):4-6. https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/fulltext/S1360-1385(15)00304-0.
Todesco M., Kim S.T., Chae E., Bomblies K., Zaidem M., Smith L.M., Weigel D., Laitinen R.A.E. (2014) Activation of the Arabidopsis thaliana immune system by combinations of common ACD6 alleles. PLoS Genetics, 10(7), e1004459. https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1004459.
Guo Y., Todesco M., Hagmann J., Das S., Weigel D. (2012) Independent FLC mutations as causes of flowering-time variation in Arabidopsis thaliana and Capsella rubella. Genetics, 192(2), 729-739. https://www.genetics.org/content/192/2/729.
Todesco M., Balsubramanian S., Cao J., Ott F., Sureshkumar S. Schneeberger K., Meyer R.C., Altmann T., Weigel D. (2012) Natural variation in biogenesis of individual A. thaliana microRNA. Current Biology, 22(2), 166-170. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982211013819.
Kawashima C.G., Matthewman C.A., Huang S. Lee B.R., Yoshimoto N., Koprivova A., Rubio-Somoza I., Todesco M., Rathjen T., Saito K., Takahashi H., Dalmay T., Kopriva S. (2011) Interplay of SLIM1 and miR395 in the regulation of sulfate assimilation in Arabidopsis. Plant Journal, 66(5), 863-876. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2011.04547.x.
Wollmann H., Mica E., Long J., Todesco M., Weigel D. (2010) On reconciling the interactions between APETALA2, miR172 and AGAMOUS with the ABC model of lower development. Development, 137(21), 3633-3642. https://journals.biologists.com/dev/article/137/21/3633/44055/On-reconciling-the-interactions-between-APETALA2.
Todesco M.*, Balasubramanian S.*, Hu T.T., Traw M.B., Horton M., Epple P., Kuhns C., Sureshkumar S., Schwartz C., Lanz C., Laitinen R.A.E., Huang Y., Chory J., Lipka V., Borevitz J.O., Dangl J.L., Bergelson J., Nordborg M., Weigel D. (2010) Natural allelic variation underlying a major fitness trade-off in Arabidopsis thaliana. Nature, 465(7298), 632-636. https://www.nature.com/articles/nature09083.Featured in The New York Times.
Atwell S., Huang Y., Vilhjamsson B., Willems G., Horton M., Li Y., Meng D., Platt A., Tarone A., Jiang R., Hu T.T., Muliati W., Zhang X., Amer M.A., Baxter I., Brachi B., Chory J., Dean C., Debieu M., de Meaux J., Ecker J.R., Faure N., Kniskern J., Jones J.D.G., Michael T., Nemri A., Roux F., Salt D.E., Tang C., Todesco M., Traw M.B., Weigel D., Marjoram P., Borevitz J.O., Bergelson J., and Nordborg M. (2010) Genome-wide association study of 107 phenotypes in a common set of A. thaliana inbred lines. Nature, 465(7298), 627-631. https://www.nature.com/articles/nature08800.
Todesco M.*, Rubio-Somoza I.*, Paz-Ares J., Weigel D. (2010) A collection of target mimics for comprehensive analysis of miRNA function in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLoS Genetics, 6(7), e1001031. https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1001031.
Sureshkumar S.*, Todesco M.*, Schneeberger K., Harilal R., Balasubramanian S., Weigel D. (2009). A genetic defect caused by a triple repeat expansion in Arabidopsis thaliana. Science, 323(5917), 1060-1063. https://www.science.org/lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1164014.
De Michele R.*, Formentin E.*, Todesco M., Toppo S., Carimi F., Zottini M., Barizza E., Ferrarini A., Delledonne M., Fontana P., Lo Schiavo F. (2008) Transcriptome analysis of Medicago truncatula leaf senescence: similarities and differences in metabolic and transcriptional regulations as compared to Arabidopsis, nodule senescence, and nitric oxide signalling. New Phytologist, 181(3), 563-575. https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02684.x.
Franco-Zorrilla J.M., Valli A., Todesco M., Mateos I., Puga M. I., Rubio-Somoza I., Leyva A., Weigel D., Garcia J.A., Paz-Ares J. (2007). Target mimicry provides a new mechanism for regulation of microRNA activity. Nature Genetics, 39(8), 1033-1037. https://www.nature.com/articles/ng2079.
Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health
Major
Food, Nutrition and Health
What research are you currently working on?
March 27, 2023 – Currently, my research focuses on developing a new type of packaging material for food products that can easily decompose and have a low environmental impact. This new packaging material is made using natural biopolymers like zein and chitosan, and we are using a technology called cold plasma treatment to modify these materials in a way that enhances their mechanical and barrier properties. We are also incorporating metal oxide-loaded microparticles into the packaging material to improve its antimicrobial properties. Our goal is to create a multi-layered packaging film that can be used to preserve the quality and shelf life of different types of food products while minimizing the environmental impact of packaging waste.
What excites you the most about the new UBC Food and Beverage Innovation Centre?
As a researcher in the field of biodegradable packaging materials for food, I am excited about the potential for the UBC Food and Beverage Innovation Centre to foster collaborations between industry and academia to develop innovative solutions for the food industry. The centre’s focus on promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices aligns with my research goals, and I believe that it will be an excellent resource for connecting with industry partners and accessing cutting-edge technologies and equipment. Additionally, I am excited about the centre’s potential to support local food and beverage entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth of the industry in British Columbia.
What has been the best part of your university experience so far?
The best part of my university experience so far has been the opportunity to work with my advisor, Dr. Singh, in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC. The supportive and collaborative environment of the faculty has allowed me to learn from and work with experts in various fields, as well as gain practical experience through research projects. In addition, the recent opening of the UBC Food and Beverage Innovation Centre has brought new exciting possibilities for research and industry partnerships, which I’m eager to be a part of.
What advice would you give to new students about how to build community at LFS?
My advice to new students at LFS on how to build community is to get involved in extracurricular activities, attend events and seminars, and engage with peers and faculty members. Joining clubs or groups related to your interests and passions can be a great way to meet like-minded individuals and build a sense of community within the faculty. Additionally, attending events and seminars hosted by LFS or other organizations on campus can provide opportunities to learn about new topics, network with professionals, and meet new people. Engaging with faculty members can also help build connections and provide valuable mentorship and support throughout your time at LFS. Finally, I would encourage new students to be open-minded, kind, and approachable, as building community requires effort and a willingness to engage with others.
How have your instructors influenced your academic path?
My journey at UBC LFS has been shaped by the supportive and inspiring instructors who have challenged me to think critically and pursue my academic interests. One of the most influential instructors in my academic path has been my supervisor, Dr. Anubhav Pratap-Singh. Under his guidance during my master’s degree, I was able to develop my research skills and explore my research interests. This experience led me to start my Ph.D. immediately after my master’s degree with the same supervisor, and I am excited to continue to learn and grow under his mentorship. Additionally, the community of instructors at LFS has fostered a collaborative and supportive environment that has allowed me to connect with other students and build a strong network of peers and mentors. Overall, the guidance and support of my instructors at LFS have been instrumental in shaping my academic path and helping me achieve my goals.
And finally, what is your favorite place on campus to relax or study?
My favorite place on campus to relax would have to be the UBC rose garden, where I can enjoy stunning views of the ocean and mountains while taking a break from studying. As for studying, I find the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre to be the perfect spot with its wide range of resources and comfortable study spaces.
