University: The University Of Hong Kong
Type: Graduate
Course: PhD
Year of graduation or arriving at the University: 1998
Dissertation title: Biodiversity and Distribution of Microfungi on Palms
Advisers and supervisors: K.D. Hyde, E.B. Gareth Jones
Publications:
Taylor, J.E., Ellis, C., Ennos, R. and Hollingsworth, P. (2019) Tissue age and tree age effects on endophyte species abundance of Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) in an ancient semi-natural woodland in Scotland. Sydowia, 71, 35-46
Experiences at the University
I have visited The Centre of Excellence in Fungal Research on several occasions and have always enjoyed my time there. The students are so enthusiastic and work hard. The subject matter they study is always interesting and they are very skilled at microscopy, isolating fungi, phylogenetics and use of all sorts of software. One noticeable thing is that all the students work well together and share knowledge so there is a real sense of community there. The rest of the staff have always made me feel very welcome and been very helpful during my stay.
Work experience and present expertise since leaving the University
I worked in Africa for 7 years (South Africa and Botswana) and worked on a wide variety of topics from plant pathogens to fungal food contaminants. On returning to the UK, I worked for Open University for 7 years and then started at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh in 2011, studying mainly fungal endophytes and pathogens of forest trees.
Alumni wisdom
No learning is ever wasted! It is amazing how many times you learn things and think you will not have a future use for them, but you always do… also learn R (if you can!!)
Personal details