Phytoplasmas: Genomes, Plant Hosts and Vectors

Dr. Wei is a research plant pathologist in the Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, BARC-NEA, ARS, USDA. She completed her Ph.D. in 2004 at the Plant Pathology Laboratory, the University of Tokyo, and has been a member of MPPL since 2005. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Wei specializes in the detection, identification, classification, and genomic evolution of plant pathogenic phytoplasma and spiroplasma, which are cell wall-less bacteria responsible for numerous diseases in agriculturally and environmentally significant plant species worldwide. Dr. Wei's research also extends to understanding phytoplasma host interactions, especially the molecular and physiological mechanisms of phytoplasma-induced diversion of plant meristem fate. She has authored or co-authored over 115 publications in peer-reviewed journals. In addition to her research, Dr. Wei actively engages in scientific service. She has served on international and national scientific committees and grant review panels. Dr. Wei also has served in an editorial role for international journals and has contributed her expertise as a reviewer for more than 40 international journals.