Cornell University
Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology
Ithaca, NY 14853

August 2009-Present, MS/PhD, Nematology; Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University

September 2001- October 2005: B.S., Biotechnology, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Vietnam

Graduate Advisor: Dr. Xiaohong Wang

Research Focus

My interest is studying the molecular interaction between potato cyst nematode and host plant which is a fascinating field because little is known about the molecular mechanism of nematode parasitism.

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) are quarantine pests, consisting of two main species Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida. These nematodes are soil-borne and obligate parasites that are distributed worldwide in potato growing regions, seriously affecting the potato and seed tuber production.

Cyst nematodes evolve highly sophisticated parasitic relationship with the host plants. It is believed that secretions (also known as effectors) which are expressed within the single dorsal and two subventral esophageal gland cells and injected into root cells through the stylet represent the principle molecules that promote successful nematode parasitism. These stylet secretions play diverse roles in plant parasitism, these roles include facilitating nematode migration, manipulating host cellular pathways to induce and maintain the syncytium (specialized feeding site) and suppressing host stress and defense responses.

My current project is focusing on the functional characterization of two novel effectors Gr29D09 and GrG4G05 in the nematode parasitism, using approaches such as ectopic gene expression in host tissue, gene silencing and protein-protein interactions.

Links to Recent and Current Projects 

Professional Experience

Project: Functional characterization of candidate effectors Gr29D09 and GrG4G05 from the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis

Oct 2007-May 2009: Teaching Assistant. Ho Chi Minh Open University, Vietnam           

Mar 2006-Oct 2007. Field Technician. Seminis Vegetable Seed Company 

Awards and Honors

2009 – Vietnam Education Foundation Fellowship.

2005 – The Outstanding Student in Total Course, awarded by the Rector of Nong Lam University to 3 best students in class.

2003 – Certificate of Merit for Volunteerer, awarded by Gia Lai Province’s Young Communist Union to volunteerers who have attained excellent achievement in Volunteer Summer Activities.

2001 – Travel Grant for best student in French learning program, grant to participate in a two-week exchange to France in a group of international students for understanding French culture.