About
Hello, my name is Olivia Hofmann and I am a Plant Pathology Ph.D. student in Dr. Jeff Rollins' lab. My passion for plant pathology developed during my undergraduate degree while working in a plant pathology lab, and this experience inspired me to pursue additional education in the field.
In the Southeastern US, native forest ecosystems and avocado groves have been devastated by Laurel wilt disease, and my research focuses on the causal agent: the fungus Harringtonia lauricola. As a part of my project, I am characterizing fungal pathogenicity and virulence factors through forward and reverse genetics approaches. I am also investigating the genetic basis of disease tolerance in Asian Lauraceae trees when compared to susceptible American Lauraceae trees.
Outside of school, I enjoy playing the violin in a local community orchestra, competitive sailing, and crafting including sewing and crocheting.
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Education
B.S. in Biology- Lafayette College; 2024
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Research
While pursuing my undergraduate degree at Lafayette College, I worked with Dr. Manuel Ospina-Giraldo to conduct research on carbohydrate active enzymes and cell wall degrading enzymes in Phytophthora spp., especially Phytophthora infestans. As a part of my undergraduate thesis research, I investigated the transcriptional activity of two genes encoding hypothetical pectinases and explored their effects on plant physiology.