Discover the biology of the plant immune system with researcher and science communicator Katia Plant Scientist in this science lecture for plant lovers and gardeners who want to help protect their plants from pests and diseases.
Plants face threats to their survival from pests and diseases, but plants are not helpless – they can fight back using their natural defences!
In this science lecture aimed at plant lovers and gardeners, Katia Hougaard (aka Katia Plant Scientist) explains how the plant immune system works along with the physical defences plants have evolved to protect themselves against viruses, bacteria, fungi, insects, and other organisms.
From the tough biological armour that deters pests to the raging molecular arms race between plants and pathogens at the cellular level, guests will learn the surprising strategies plants have evolved to defend themselves against their natural enemies.
This lecture includes practical gardening advice rooted in plant biology knowledge. After listening to this talk, gardeners will be empowered to help prevent pest and disease outbreaks in their own gardens.
Speaker Bio
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Katia Hougaard
Katia Hougaard
Katia Hougaard is a PhD student at Imperial College London currently working on her thesis. Her biological research focused on the molecular and physiological aspects of the plant immune system via studying and testing interactions between the plant Medicago truncatula and pea aphids. Katia completed her plant biology undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin and her Masters of Research degree at Imperial College London. Katia is also passionate about organic gardening and planting trees. In addition to her research, Katia is developing a new career path in science communication as "Katia Plant Scientist". Through essays, photography, infographics, presentations, and videos, Katia Plant Scientist aims to connect plant biology with the everyday experiences of gardening while using scientific approaches to solve gardening challenges, thereby making plant science more understandable for plant lovers.
