Recognizing Plant Cell authors: Sami Kazaz

Sami Kazaz, first author of Differential Activation of Partially Redundant Δ9 Stearoyl-ACP Desaturase Genes is Critical for Omega-9 Monounsaturated Fatty Acid Biosynthesis During Seed Development in Arabidopsis

Current position: PhD student, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, INRAE, Versailles, France

Education: Engineer degree in food industry, ESIX Normandie, Caen, France

Non-scientific interests: traveling, cooking, basketball, art, politics

Brief bio: During an internship in Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa, I had the opportunity to work for the first time in the plant science field. This research experience allowed me to study the nutritional properties of the nut of Sterculia murex, a scientifically unknown nut from South Africa. After obtaining an engineer degree in food industry, I have joined INRAE Versailles, France, as a PhD student. Since 2018, I have been studying the monounsaturated fatty acids produced by the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. I am particularly interested in the elucidation of the biological functions of these fatty acids during seed and vegetative development. After obtaining my degree, I am planning to extend my research experience and to continue making exciting discoveries in the plant sciences through a postdoctoral project.