Recognizing The Plant Cell first authors: Patricia Baldrich

Patricia Baldrich, first author of Plant Extracellular Vesicles Contain Diverse Small RNA Species and Are Enriched in 10 to 17 Nucleotide “Tiny” RNAs

Name: Patricia Baldrich

Current Position: Postdoctoral Researcher, Meyers Lab, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

Education: PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology studying small RNAs involved in plant pathogen interactions, Autonomous University of Barcelona. M.S. in molecular biotechnology, University of Barcelona.

Non-scientific Interests: Traveling, science, nature and sports

Brief bio: I have always been fascinated by plants and their amazing ability to interact and adapt to different and extreme environments. Following this passion, I pursued a M.S. and PhD in Plant Molecular Biology studying plant pathogen interactions. Under the supervision of Dr. Blanca San Segundo at Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics, I specifically researched the role of small RNAs in plant fungal diseases. After obtaining my PhD, I had the chance to join the Meyers Lab at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, where I am studying the importance of small and tiny RNAs involved in the communication processes between plants and microbes. I believe that small RNAs play an essential role in plant resistance and that a better understanding of their mode of action will allow us to reduce crop losses and improve productivity.