An Interview with Professor Gitta Coaker: A Resilient Researcher Shaping the Future of Many in the Field of Plant-microbe Interactions

Professor Gitta Coaker is the John and Joan Fiddyment Endowed Chair in Agriculture at the University of California, Davis. She joined the faculty at the University of California, Davis in 2007. Dr. Coaker’s research program focuses on understanding kinase-mediated immune signaling and pathogen effector targets in both model and crop plants. Recent research investigates both immune receptor and pathogen variation. Her research also focuses on vascular pathogens, including vector-borne disease associated with Liberibacter species in tomato and potato. She was awarded the William H. Krauss Award for Research Excellence (2004), NSF Career Award (2011), Chancellor’s Fellow for Research Excellence (2013), Graduate Student Mentoring Award at the University of California, Davis (2020), and the Noel T. Keen Award for research excellence in Molecular Plant Pathology (2022).

 

Indrani K. Baruah: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your background and your current position?

Gitta Coaker: I grew up in Arizona, in the desert, and after high school, I headed to the University of Arizona. It was a Plant Genetics course, taught by Professor Dennis Ray, that first got me really excited about plant science. I ended up earning my bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. After that, I spent a couple of years working in industry, but I realized I wanted to dive deeper into research, so I decided to pursue a master’s degree, then PhD at The Ohio State University. I specifically chose OSU because I wanted to work with Dr. David Francis. He’s known for his work on tomato breeding and genetics, and I was drawn to his mentoring style. My research during that time was in a breeding lab, so I got to experience both field and lab work, with a focus on quantitative genetics. Towards the end of my PhD, I started exploring plant-microbe interactions and breeding for disease resistance, and I found myself getting really excited about those areas. That’s when I applied for a postdoc with Brian Staskawicz at UC Berkeley. Working with him for three years was an incredible learning experience. In 2007, I joined UC Davis as an Assistant Professor, and I’ve been here ever since.

 

Indrani:  Would you like to share your experience of setting up a lab on your own at UC-Davis?

Gitta: When I first walked into my empty lab at UC Davis, it was overwhelming. Fortunately, I received a lot of guidance from my post-doctoral supervisor and colleagues in the department. They helped me think through the process of setting up a lab, and I focused on hiring the best people to build a strong team. One of the biggest challenges for me was learning to manage multiple people and projects. I was very hands-on, working in the lab myself for the first 5-6 years. Having other scientists to talk to and get feedback from was really important during that time.

 

Indrani: Could you share with our readers what are your lab’s (Coaker Lab) current areas of research?

Gitta: Absolutely! Our lab has been focused on immune receptor activation and signaling for many years, with a particular emphasis on kinase-mediated signaling, which has always been a key interest of mine. Lately, we’ve been expanding our research to explore variations on both the pathogen and plant sides, with the goal of identifying better receptors to enhance disease control. Another focus of the lab is on vascular pathogens, which has been a longstanding interest of mine since my PhD, when I worked on Clavibacter species. I still find them fascinating. Right now, we also study how Liberibacter, a xylem-colonizing bacteria, manipulates plant hosts. I believe vector-borne diseases are becoming increasingly important, especially with the impact of climate change on insect vectors. I think vector-borne pathogens are understudied and manipulate both insects in plants in unique ways. We’re also working to identify how Liberibacter effectors shape host plant phenotypes.

 

Indrani: What are the challenges that you have faced in your scientific journey?

Gitta: One of the biggest challenges I think many scientists face, myself included, is getting so absorbed in our work that we neglect our personal lives. It’s something I’ve struggled with throughout my career, though in the past years, I’ve gotten much better at balancing the two. Another challenge is how critical we can be of each other in the scientific community. While constructive feedback is important, we could all benefit from being more supportive. I’ve developed my own way of dealing with those low moments. I keep a “happy communication folder” where I save all the encouraging and supportive notes from collaborators and students. Whenever I feel down, I read through them, and it helps lift my spirits. I also take time for sports activities every day (weightlifting or basketball) and spend time with friends.

As a female scientist, I’ve also faced the challenge of balancing my career with starting a family. I had my son while I was a postdoc and my daughter when I was an Assistant Professor. Managing both work and home was tough, but I was fortunate to have supportive mentors, family, and lab members who helped me navigate that period.

 

Indrani: I saw you had an accident a few months ago, which might have been a challenge too and see you still managing work and your lab so well, would you like to share this experience with our readers?

Gitta: Oh yes, I didn’t think I would be asked this question. A few months ago, I was riding my bike to school and was hit by a vehicle. I’m still dealing with the aftermath- it’s been challenging. One thing that really helped me manage was being transparent with my lab members. Hopefully that openness allowed them to feel comfortable about taking the time they need in their own personal situations. I’m fortunate to have an amazing research group. They really stepped up and handled a lot while I was recovering from surgery. Now, I go into the lab when I can. I should be able to walk without any support in a few weeks, so things are looking up. Life happens, and disasters are inevitable, but having open communication made a difference. The support from my lab, department, and colleagues helped a lot.

 

Indrani: You have won a lot of prestigious awards for research excellence, what suggestion would you give to an early career researcher while writing grant/research proposals?

Gitta: There are a few key points to keep in mind when writing grant or research proposals. First, it’s crucial to find your niche—your area of research expertise—and make sure it’s something you’re genuinely excited to work on. Ask yourself how you can uniquely contribute to answering big biological questions. It’s important to let biology guide your research, rather than letting techniques or technologies dictate your approach.

Focus on areas where you excel and where there’s still a lot to uncover. This will help your proposal stand out. If you don’t have all the expertise needed for the project, don’t hesitate to reach out for collaborations.

 

Indrani: How do you think lab spaces or academic institutions could provide more equitable space for women?

Gitta: It is important to recognize that women still tend to bear primary caregiving responsibilities, whether for children or other family members. Universities can make lab spaces and academic institutions more equitable by having family-friendly policies and providing supportive facilities. For instance, offering extended maternity/family leave beyond the standard six weeks in the US would make a big difference. Affordable childcare facilities on university campuses would also help with managing both work and family commitments.

Hypercompetitive and aggressive environments are toxic. Universities should foster a more collaborative, supportive atmosphere to create spaces where women feel valued and empowered to succeed. There is a difference between saying environments are supportive and actually doing the work, with consequences as necessary, to ensure that they are.

 

Indrani: Any life changing experience/s in your career that you want to share and what role do you enjoy the most- mentor/teacher/researcher?

Gitta: I enjoy all three: mentoring, teaching and research. Science can have many setbacks, but when you are teaching you are always making progress. The most meaningful experiences in my career have been watching the people in my lab and classes succeed. Having my first PhD student, Mitch Elmore, who is now a group leader with the USDA, graduate was a highlight before I got tenure. It’s rewarding to see the growth and achievements of people I’ve mentored. I also love discussing science, meeting new scientists, and traveling the world.

 

Indrani: And lastly, what would be your advice or parting comments to young women who want to pursue higher roles in Plant Biology?

Gitta: To all young women, remember it’s totally achievable. Pick your mentors carefully and make sure you are in the right environment that supports you and your career growth. Carefully consider collaborators – great ones can help you with your science and careers, but poor collaborators will do the opposite. Something else to keep in mind is the importance of work-life integration. It’s essential to find balance. Do something every day that isn’t related to science. Being efficient in your work is important, but having a fulfilling life outside the lab is just as crucial for your overall well-being and long-term success.

 

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About the Author

Indrani Kakati Baruah  is a postdoctoral researcher mother and a 2023 Plantae Fellow, wishing to connect with researchers around the globe and impart knowledge through communicating innovative research and wants to inspire and motivate young girls to take up science and never give up. You can find her on Twitter at @Indranik333.