Jude Edwards

PhD student in Microbiology

NSF GRFP Fellow

I am interested in fungal immunology and interactions. Unlike other multicellular eukaryotes such as plants and mammals, relatively little is known about the fungal immune system. How do fungi sense and respond to possible pathogens in the environment? Understanding the molecular cross-talk between fungi and bacteria is relevant to biotechnology, agriculture, ecology, and human health.

Using model filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa and the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae, I study the molecular mechanisms of the fungal immune system. I am particularly interested in investigating nutrient sharing and secreted effectors using this model interaction system established by Frances Grace Stark in the lab.

In my free time I like to go tide pooling, foraging, and backpacking around Northern California.