 | | Ryan Syverson |
Ryan Syverson
Graduate Research Assistant
Department of Plant Pathology
University of Minnesota 495 Borlaug Hall
1991 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN, 55108 Phone: (612) 625-9224
Email: syve0039@umn.edu Graduate Advisor: Dr. Carol Ishimaru
| 2007-Present | Ph. D. Candidate, Plant Pathology
Department of Plant Pathology
University of Minnesota | | 2004-2007 | M.S. Plant Pathology
Department of Plant Pathology
University of Minnesota | | 1998-2003 | B.S. Biology
College of Biological Sciences
University of Minnesota |
Research Focus
The research conducted in our laboratory examines the molecular biology of gram positive bacterial plant pathogens with focus primarily on the species Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus (Cms). Given its current status as a national and international quarantine pest, Cms has important implications in potato production. The primary means of control for Cms is through the process of exclusion, but limitations of detection techniques, inapplicability of host resistance and the occurrence of latent infections have prevented eradication of Cms from production systems. Functional analyses of genes involved in pathogenicity of Cms may lend to better understanding of mechanisms underlying host-pathogen interactions of Cms and could provide insight to improvement of detection and management of this disease. Additionally, better understanding of mechanisms underlying host-pathogen interactions of Cms could lead to the identification of conserved mechanisms of pathogenicity among other related Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria facilitating advancement of research in both animal and plant pathology. Specifically, my research aims to develop molecular techniques and resources to facilitate functional analyses in Cms. Towards this effort, the following objectives will be addressed: development of an efficient transposon mutagenesis system for the sequenced, type strain of Cms (ATCC33113), demonstrate targeted mutagenesis in Cms, and characterize pat-1 homologues in Cms and related phytopathogens.
Professional Experience
2008
| Teaching Assistant, laboratory section
Plants Get Sick Too (PLPA 1005)
University of Minnesota
Presented laboratory material, demonstrated laboratory experiments, facilitated student execution of laboratory tasks and conveyed safe laboratory techniques. Additional responsibilities outside of laboratory instruction included set up and clean up of labs, discussion of lab organization and execution and grading of assignments, projects and exams.
| 2007-Present
| Research Assistant
Department of Plant Pathology
University of Minnesota
| 2004-2007
| Research Assistant
Department of Plant Pathology
University of Minnesota
My research involved evaluation and development molecular methods for whole genome and region-specific molecular mapping in the disease-resistant wild potato, Solanum bulbocastanum. This included evaluation AFLP markers for whole genome linkage mapping and demonstration and evaluation of a novel Mismatch Amplification Mutation Assay (MAMA) PCR approach for generating single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based markers near the RB late blight resistance locus in S. bulbocastanum.
| | 2003-2004 | Laboratory Technician
Department of Plant Pathology, Potato Pathology and Genomics
University of Minnesota
Examined genetic diversity of the wild potato species S. bulbocastanum as it related to geographic origin and subspecies taxonomy to evaluate genebank sampling strategies for obtaining maximum diversity. Other responsibilities included maintaining plant tissue culture collections, and laboratory facilities as well as assisting in annual field screening of potato diseases including late blight, Verticillium wilt and potato scab.
| | 2002-2003 | Undergraduate Research Assistant
Department of Plant Pathology, Potato Pathology and Genomics
University of Minnesota
Conducted a preliminary analysis of the genetic diversity of the wild potato species S. bulbocastanum. Other responsibilities included maintaining laboratory facilities as well as assisting in field and greenhouse research programs.
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Awards and Honors
| 2006 | Microbial & Plant Genomics Institute (MPGI) Travel Award, University of Minnesota | | 2006 | Ward C. Stienstra and Richard A. Meronuck Graduate Student Travel Award, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota |
Presentations
Syverson, R. Analysis of Marker Associations Near the Late Blight Resistance Gene, RB, in Solanum bulbocastanum using a Novel MAMA PCR-based Approach. MPGI 2007 Annual Retreat. (Minneapolis, MN Apr 2007) (invited talk) Syverson, R., B.P. Millett, and J.M. Bradeen. Analysis of Haplotype Frequency of the Late Blight Resistance Gene, RB, in Solanum bulbocastanum using a Novel MAMA PCR-based Approach. Plant & Animal Genome XV (San Diego, CA Jan 2007) (poster) Syverson, R., B.P. Millett, and J.M. Bradeen. Fine Mapping of Resistance Gene Regions in Solanum bulbocastanum using a Novel MAMA PCR-based Mapping Approach. Solanaceae Genome Workshop (Madison, WI July 2006) (poster) Syverson, R.L., and J.M. Bradeen. Evaluation of Stratified Sampling Strategies to Access Maximal Genetic Diversity from Crop Plant Genebank Collections. American Phytopathological Society North Central Region Annual Meeting (St. Paul, MN Jun 2004) (poster) | 
