Postdoctoral Scientist
Robert Heal
Bio
I am interested in the development of durable disease resistance in major crops through the use of gene cloning, genetic modification and modern breeding techniques.
During my PhD I aim to clone several genes which confer resistance to the potato pathogens PLRV (potato leafroll virus) and Phytophthora infestans in tetraploid potato and its wild diploid relative Solanum americanum. To do this I will be using exome capture and next generation sequencing coupled with different mapping techniques to identify candidate resistance genes.
I also aim to use this knowledge to develop potato varieties with elevated resistance to these pathogens by transfer of major resistance genes through introgression and genetic modification.
Job history
-
2019 - 2024
PhD Student
The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich, UK -
2018 - 2019
MSc Student – Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement
University of East Anglia, Norwich -
2015 - 2018
BSc Student – Biological Sciences
University of East Anglia, Norwich