Nathaniel Strong

The bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is the causal agent of black rot, one of the most devastating diseases of Brassica crops (such as cabbages, broccoli and cauliflower) worldwide. Recently, there has been an increased interest in using bacteriophages (‘phages’) to control bacterial plant pathogens as a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical treatments. Phages are viruses that specifically infect and lyse bacterial cells. These viruses are the most abundant microorganisms on Earth, but little is known about phage diversity in plant microbiomes and its effect on plant health. Additionally, it is currently unknown what effect rising temperatures as a result of anthropogenic climate change are expected to have on phage populations. 

Therefore, my PhD aims to investigate how phage communities impact Brassica health and Xcc infection, and what impact time, temperature and season are expected to have on theses dynamics. I will also investigate how these external factors influence the efficacy of phage-based biocontrol agents of black rot disease. 

Before starting my PhD, I studied for an MSc by Research degree at the University of Exeter, where I investigated rates of nutrient uptake in the epiphytic fungal wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. This is where I first became interested in microbial ecology and plant microbiomes specifically. I also developed a lot of useful laboratory and scientific skills here that have directly helped me with my PhD research. 

I really enjoyed my research experiences during my undergraduate and Master’s studies and so carrying out a PhD was the logical next step for me. I also liked the idea of pushing the boundaries of current scientific knowledge for the benefit of people and planet. I hope that through my PhD I’ll be contributing to research that could one day be used to create climate-resilient food systems. 

I’ve always considered myself an environmentalist, so NERC seemed like the natural funding choice for me. I was particularly drawn to CENTA due its access to a range of world-class research institutions. I also really liked the training programme offered by CENTA, which allows me to tailor the training courses I attend to my own specific needs and interests. So far, I’ve been really pleased with the support CENTA has provided, as they were very helpful in accommodating a slightly later PhD start for me due to my personal circumstances.  

I’m still exploring options for the future, but I hope that through my PhD research project and my CENTA training I’ll develop a range of transferrable skills that will set me up for a number of different career paths. In addition to academia, I also have an interest in applying science to industry and policy, and I’m looking forward to exploring this further through the CENTA placement scheme.