Vatsal Arora

My research is focussed on two near-identical NLRs in Nicotiana americana, which confer resistance to different Phytophthora species. I will work with Robert Heal (almost a doctor) to find out if one of the NLRs, Rpi-amr5 is suppressed by a non-RXLR effector of Phytophthora capsica. Then we will try to understand the mechanism of suppression and look for possible ways to circumvent it to create stronger resistance mechanisms.

I completed my MSc thesis at the Lab of Phytopathology at Wageningen University & Research, where I worked with proximity labelling for cell-surface receptors in Nicotiana benthamiana.

I have a wide range of interests in science, which include understanding how biological processes like photosynthesis and biotic interactions between organisms take place. It is often extended to learning about new techniques and working with high resolution microscopes!