Ryoko Oono

I am interested in the evolution and ecology of symbiotic interactions, particularly the mutualistic associations between plants and microbes. I use diverse methods, ranging from phylogenetic analyses to experimental manipulation, to better understand the evolution and life history of a symbiosis. Currently, I am exploring the foliar fungal endophyte community of loblolly pine needles as a postdoctoral researcher co-advised by François Lutzoni and Ignazio Carbone and funded by the Molecular Mycological & Pathogenesis Training Program. I received my Ph.D. (2010) in Plant Biological Sciences from the University of Minnesota where I studied legume-rhizobia symbioses.