b'Outsmarting Plant Pathogens Sustainable Spud ScienceAnirup Sengupta, 24 George Tarabain, 40University of Manitoba McGill UniversityAnirup Sengupta is on a mission to outsmart plant diseases andGeorge Tarabain is redefining how we combat late blight in transform the future of wheat breeding. As a masters student atpotatoes. As a PhD researcher at McGill University, hes uncov-the University of Manitoba, he dove headfirst into the chal- ering the genetic basis of disease resistance, using advanced bio-lenge of tackling leaf rust resistance in winter wheat, blendinginformatics tools like Python and R to decode massive genomic advanced techniques like genome-wide association studiesdatasets. His goal? To create more resilient potato crops and (GWAS) with genomic selection (GS). offer sustainable solutions to the challenges of climate change His work didnt just stay in the labit turning heads onand food insecurity.the global stage. Anirups research earned him the covetedGeorges journey is as remarkable as his research. Before Best Poster Award at the International Wheat Congress incoming to Canada, he worked in Syria as a field crop expert Australia. He was also recognized for Best Oral Presentationand assistant professor, managing plant genetic resources at the Canadian Wheat Symposium and Plant Canada 2024. and collaborating with From field trials to greenhouse evaluations at the Universityinternational organizations of Manitoba and AAFCs Morden Research and Developmentlike International Center for Centre, Anirups hands-on approach demonstrates his passionAgricultural Research in the for bridging cutting-edge research with practical solutions.Dry Areas (ICARDA). This With an eye for detail, a knack for experimentation, andglobal experience shapes his a commitment to solvinginnovative approach to plant real-world problems, Anirupscience and shows his ability is poised to make waves into merge technical brilliance Canadian plant breeding andwith real-world impact. beyond.Stronger Wheat, Smarter ScienceBohan Wei, 29Bioinformatics Meets Canola University of AlbertaEmilee Storfie, 31 Bohan Wei is reshaping wheat disease management with her University of Alberta work in plant pathology. During her masters, she tackled the pressing issue of tan spot disease caused by Pyrenophora tritici-Emilee Storfie is a trailblazer in plant pathology, tacklingrepentis, delivering two first-authored publications that shed the formidable challenge of clubroot disease in canola withnew light on this threat to wheat production. Now, as a PhD cutting-edge molecular and bioinformatics approaches. As acandidate, shes turning her focus to stripe rust, one of wheats PhD candidate at the University of Alberta, her research ismost devastating crop diseases, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. uncovering important insights into pathogen-host dynamicssp. tritici.and opening new doors for disease-resistant crop development.What sets Bohan apart is her ability to combine modern But Emilees influence reaches far beyond the lab. A 2024genetic and molecular techniques to address real-world Canadian Plant Breeding Innovation Scholar, shes activelyagricultural challenges. Her work on the genetic diversity and shaping the future of science through her leadership invirulence of stripe rust in Canada is paving the way for more Women in Science, Engineering & Research (WiSER). Hereffective resistance breeding and sustainable wheat production.commitment to inspiring others also shines in the classroom,Bohans love for collaborating is bridging expertise across where her exceptional teaching earned her the University ofresearch labs in Edmonton and Lethbridge, ensuring her Albertas Graduate Student Teaching Award. Emilee isnt justdiscoveries reach farmers and strengthen global food security. advancing plant science; shes empowering the next wave of agricultural innovators and driving change across the industry.MARCH 2025SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 13'