Jabeen Ahmad is a PhD student in plant biology. She has a background in journalism, anthropology, law, and physiology. Her research focuses on plant-microbial interactions and exploring the wheat root microbiome. Jabeen hopes to better understand how plant-associated microbes can be used to improve plant growth and development, increase plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress, and enhance plant resistance and resilience to pathogens. Jabeen’s work with INTERACT will involve isolation and identification of bacteria and archaea from the wheat rhizosphere, rhizosplane, endosphere and seed.

Place of employment: North Caroline State University, Department of Plant & Microbial Biology