With global agriculture facing increased pressure from climate change, developing crops that are both productive and resistant to disease is essential.
PhD researcher Zuhra Qayyum (University of Western Australia) is focused on the functional characterisation of resistance genes in canola, a critical research area that aims to strengthen plant defences against Leptosphaeria maculans, the fungus responsible for blackleg disease. Zuhra hopes her research may one day shape how we protect food crops from disease in a changing world.
“My PhD work aims to identify and understand the genetic architecture of resistance in canola, which can lead to more climate-resilient farming practices,” Zuhra said.
As her research progressed, Zuhra sought opportunities to apply her knowledge outside the lab and expand her technical capabilities in a real-world environment. This led her to APR.Intern and a project with Agriculture Victoria Research, a government organisation that delivers innovation for economic growth in Victoria’s agriculture through leading science and strong science capacity.
During her internship, Zuhra worked on developing and optimising genome editing methods in grain legumes, an area that remains under-explored but holds tremendous potential for improving crop traits and productivity. The project focused on establishing reproducible protocols for gene delivery, which serve as a foundation for future crop improvement.
“Legumes are crucial for sustainable agriculture due to their nitrogen-fixing abilities, yet they lag behind in genome editing innovation. My internship gave me the chance to be part of a solution to that gap.”
Climate-smart agriculture is the only way to tackle the negative impacts of climate change. Establishing robust gene delivery protocols accelerates experimentation and helps bring new solutions to the field faster.
Working alongside senior scientists at Agriculture Victoria, Zuhra learned to apply sophisticated gene-editing techniques while refining her skills in protoplast-mediated gene delivery. She credits the internship with strengthening her technical expertise and improving her adaptability in the lab.
“It was a steep learning curve, but an invaluable one. The complexity of genetic manipulation demanded careful experimentation and creative problem-solving. I learned to think critically, adapt quickly, and work collaboratively in a high-paced research environment.”
Zuhra’s contribution to the project didn’t go unnoticed. She played a key role in lab-based experiments, supported protocol development, and helped shape the framework for more efficient gene delivery in legumes.
“My biggest achievement was learning how to optimise gene delivery systems in legumes while being part of a knowledgeable and encouraging team. The highlight for me was knowing my work helped push the project forward—and that my voice and ideas were valued.”
In her future, Zuhra envisions herself contributing to global food security through sustainable crop development as a researcher exploring the genetic mechanisms behind plant resistance and developing strategies to support sustainable agriculture. This internship has brought her one step closer to that goal.
Zuhra Qayyum is completing a PhD from The University of Western Australia.
Zuhra was a recipient of the WiSE subsidy.
