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Dr Sabine Brumm and microscopy image of Phytophtora palmivora infecting barley

Dr Sabine Brumm

Research Associate

Sabine is using novel genome editing techniques to produce barley plants with broad disease resistance.

 

What is your research question? (and short overview of your research)

Each year, a lot of food is wasted because of diseases and pests, and this problem is only going to get worse because of climate change. It's important that we find new ways to produce more food and take care of our planet at the same time.

Currently, I aim to produce broad disease resistant barley plants by using a novel genome editing technique. I address the question whether changing a gene, that influences how plants grow, will hinder many disease-causing organisms from entering the plant. At the same time, I study if these changes will affect how much food (seeds) the plant can produce. In general, our team is interested in understanding how plants interact with other organisms and how these interactions can be changed to positively impact plant development.

Why did you choose to study science?

I was raised in the Eifel region of Germany, known for its stunning nature reserves. I always cherished spending time outdoors with animals and going on hikes with my family. Inspired by my older brother, I initially considered studying computer science after high school, but I dismissed the idea because my math grades were not up to par. My brother then suggested Bionics, knowing that my favourite school subject was biology and he appreciated how biological principles can inform technical design. Unfortunately, there was only one university in Germany offering a Bionics program, and I didn't have the necessary grades to enrol. So, I began my studies with a general bachelor's degree in biology, planning to switch to Bionics during my master's degree. However, I became quickly captivated by the intricacies of plants, their interactions with the environment, and molecular biology. Since then, I've been studying how plants grow in fascinating shapes, protect themselves from harm, and form alliances to ensure their survival.

What really interests you about science?

I must have been one of these kids who unintentionally torture their parents with the constant “but why?” and “how?” questions. I was also always quite intrigued by crime novels and puzzle games. I guess, Science is a way for me to keep asking questions and solving riddles. The ever-evolving nature of Science is intriguing to me, and I love how we build upon previous discoveries, continually refining our understanding and improving our theories with new evidence as data becomes available. Science is just like a never-ending quest. What I appreciate most about my job is the opportunity to learn something new every day. Biology is a remarkable subject for me as it brings together many aspects of different STEM fields, and I have the chance to use a wide range of techniques to answer my questions.

What advice do you have for girls thinking about studying science at degree level?

My advice may seem like a motivational postcard, but its essence is to believe in yourself and trust that you can achieve your goals. Ignore self-doubt and negativity, both internal and external, and instead focus on your passions and interests. If you're uncertain about your direction, find what excites you the most. Everything else will follow with time. Don't be afraid to seek support and guidance, as everyone needs help at some point. Choose a career path based on excitement, not because others predict it will be successful in the future. Surround yourself with great mentors who will inspire and support you.

Do you have a female STEM role model?

As a first-generation scientist, I didn't have many female STEM role models growing up. I hope future generations will have more representation. In school and media, I learned about scientists like Albert Einstein and Galileo, but not Marie Curie or Emmy Noether. Fortunately, I feel times are improving, and science is becoming more inclusive, with the achievements of women being recognized more frequently (thanks to many amazing women fighting for our visibility). However, there's still a long way to go. Personally, I have been fortunate to meet many incredible female scientists during my scientific career who have inspired me in different ways. I am grateful for their support and guidance, without which I wouldn't be where I am today.

 

Read more about Sabine's research on her website profile

Connect with Sabine on Twitter https://twitter.com/BrummSabine