Raanan Hagai Yosef Ph.D.
Researcher (soilborne pathogens)
- Gilat Research Center
- ICA building, Gilat Research Center
- +972-546110510
Biography
I received my Ph.D. from the Dept. of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, on June 2015. My thesis focused on the cyanobacteria that inhabit the biological soil crusts (BSC). The research examined the mechanisms whereby cyanobacteria of the desert BSC cope with extreme environmental conditions using innovative field and laboratory techniques. While studying the responses of cyanobacteria in desert crusts, I realized that we know very little about the actual proteins that are the drivers of these protective mechanisms. Thus, for my Post-Doctoral studies at the Dept. of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, NJ, I chose to learn more about the protein complexes that drive ecological processes. I focused primarily on the evolution of nanomachines that drive the global energy cycle via electron-transfer reactions. My project ‘Legos of Life’ aims to identify the ‘Lego bricks’ that developed, throughout evolution, to the wide array of extant electron transfer chains. The use of advanced structural and computational tools combined with an in-depth ecological and evolutionary perspective yielded a novel understanding of oxidoreductases.
At my current position, I’m a researcher at the Gilat Research Center for Arid & Semi-Arid Agricultural Research (GCASAR), Plant Pathology dept. ARO. My primary interest is in the interactions of soil microorganisms with their biotic and abiotic environment and their adaptation to harsh environmental conditions. I seek to understand the molecular processes that protect their core metabolism under extreme stress. My current research is focused on how environmental conditions affect the outbreak of plant diseases. Additionally, I seek to develop alternative sustainable pest control systems based on highly resilient microorganisms inhabiting extreme environments such as biological soil crusts. In my free time, I’m a passionate maker and love to see my ideas come to life.
Education
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2006-2008
B.Sc. in Biology at Hebrew University
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2009 – 2015
Direct track Ph.D. in Plant and environmental sciences at Hebrew University. Title of thesis: Adaptation of biological soil crusts microorganisms to harsh environmental conditions. Supervision by: Professor Aaron Kaplan
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2015-2019
Postdoctoral position at Rutgers University with Professor Paul Falkowski Research subject: Understanding the evolution of early electron transfer proteins and the implication for protein design.
Research Interests
In 2020, I founded the EcoPathLab (Eco Pathology Laboratory) at the Gilat Research Center. My vision is to understand how environmental conditions affect interactions among soil organisms and lead to disease outbreaks. By developing sustainable mitigation protocols and biocontrol agents, particularly those derived from soil microalgae, he aims to combat soilborne pathogens and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
To advance this vision, the EcoPathLab we developing a state-of-the-art environmental chamber capable of replicating both above-ground and below-ground conditions. This tool enables the isolation and detailed study of disease agents, providing a controlled environment to examine the effects of various environmental factors on plant-pathogen interactions. By leveraging this technology, we seek to deepen our understanding of disease dynamics and develop effective strategies for mitigating plant diseases.
Through these efforts, we are poised to significantly impact the future of agriculture by enhancing food security in Israel and around the world. His work addresses the immediate and future challenges posed by climate change and contributes to global efforts in securing food resources for a growing population.
Research Areas
- Soilborne pathogens
- Microalgae
- Biocontrol
- Microbial ecology