My research focuses on characterizing microbial community composition across root- and hyphae-associated compartments, with particular emphasis on disentangling the effect of plant host genotype on bacterial and fungal communities. Specifically, I investigate to what extent host genetic variation shapes microbiomes not only in the rhizosphere but also within the hyphosphere and on the hyphoplane (i.e., the surface of fungal hyphae).
To enable this work, I developed a semi-automated method for the efficient extraction of fungal hyphae from diverse soil types, including structurally complex natural loamy soils. This Sieving and Sucrose Centrifugation (SSC) approach facilitates the enrichment of fungal hyphae, spores, and their associated microbial communities, including surface-colonizing bacteria and fungi.
Building on this approach, I examine functional interactions within these communities. In particular, I hypothesize that biofilm-forming bacteria associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal hyphae play a critical role in regulating hyphal growth and mediating nutrient exchange processes. This hypothesis is currently being tested through ongoing experimental work.
Alongside project coordination, I am actively involved in teaching and supervising students.