Recognizing Plant Cell authors: Erin Louise Baggs

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Erin Louise Baggs, first author of Convergent loss of an EDS1/PAD4 signaling pathway in several plant lineages reveals co-evolved components of plant immunity and drought response

Current Position: PhD Candidate, Krasileva Lab, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley

Education: Biological Sciences Bachelor’s degree from The University of Bath, UK

Non-scientific Interests:

  • Yoga
  • Clothes
  • Hiking

Brief bio: I am Ph.D. Candidate at UC Berkeley in the Krasileva Lab where I study the evolution of plant immune receptors. I investigate how plant immune receptors have changed by using comparative genomics of many plant species, like pond dwelling duckweed and agricultural crops such as maize. My interest in plant-pathogen interactions stemmed from my time in Vanessa McMillan’s lab in Rothamsted studying the take-all disease in wheat, where under the supervision of an excellent mentor, Joseph Moughan, my love of science and plant pathology flourished. The opportunity to work alongside inspiring scientists in innovative laboratories continues to propel my passion for plant biology. I am passionate about continuing working in research upon graduating and hope to apply the skills I have learnt to new challenges.