I primarily assist Dr. Weidong Chen , the unit's plant pathologist, on research projects focusing on diseases of grain legumes. I have a variety of duties which take place in the laboratory, greenhouse, and fields. In the laboratory, my work encompasses culture maintenance, pathogen isolation, DNA & RNA Isolation, setting up PCR reactions, running gels, as well as recording and analyzing experimental data. My main responsibilities in the greenhouse and field include setting up and conducting pathogenicity test, disease scoring, and sample collection.