Professor Miriam Gifford
Supervisor Details
Research Interests
We are interested in how plants interact with the environment. The mechanisms that facilitate this interaction are particularly important for plants since they are sessile yet still cope with environmental extremes.
When plant roots and microbes work together in symbiosis the ways they interact are even more important since more efficient interactions benefit both. By combining study of the root cell types that house microbes, the soil in which the interaction exists, and the genes and molecules regulating it, we aim to improve plant yield and sustainability in tune with the environment.
From root-soil-rhizosphere interactions, to circadian-shaping of nodulation, our work investigates a number of plant-nitrogen interactions. Please see my Gifford lab webpage where you can hear more details from the staff and students in the group.
Scientific Inspiration
When I went to study biology at the University of Edinburgh I’d never heard of plant sciences (it was just photosynthesis that was taught at school) and thus chose a specialisation in genetics. But in my 1st year I had a terrific lecturer called Philip Smith, an old-school botanist, who introduced us to the excitement of plant sciences. In 1st year he told stories of plants “killing their neighbours”, trailering later more specialised courses (“something you will learn, but only in your 2nd year”). This definitely inspired me to pursue research and I hope I convey some of this excitement in my teaching!
MIBTP Project Details
Previous Projects (2024-25)
Primary supervisor for:
Co-supervisor on projects with Professor George Bassel.
Previous Projects (2023-24)
Primary supervisor for: