Dr Suruchi Roychoudhry

Profile

I completed my PhD in Plant Molecular Biology at the Centre for Plant Sciences at the University of Leeds investigating the role of the plant hormone auxin in regulating growth angles of secondary organs in flowering plants. 

Subsequently, I completed a short postdoctral project (2014-2015) performing some proof-of-concept work validating my PhD findings. In October 2015, I moved to the lab of Prof. Jean Greenberg at the University of Chicago (Chicago, USA) investigating the molecular basis of root derived systemic plant immunity. 

In 2016, I returned to the University of Leeds to work on plant gravitropism in the lab of Prof. Stefan Kepinski, where my current responsibilities include research, teaching and supervision of Masters and Undergraduate students in original independent research projects. I am also undertaking the Michael Beverley Innovation Fellowship.

Research interests

Plant gravitropism

Plant growth angle regulation

PIN phosphoregulation 

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Molecular Biology
• Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• MSc Genetic Manipulation and Molecular Biology
• BSc Biotechnology

Student education

I have designed and delivered lectures, tutorials and practical sessions for the undergraduate modules of Practical Genetics, Advanced Research Skills and Experience and the MSc Plant Biotechnology module. Additionally, I am also directly supervising the extended research projects of two Integrated Masters degree students as well as assisting with the supervision of two PhD students. This experience of research-based and face to face teaching enabled me to acquire Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in Oct 2022. I am currently working on my application for full Fellowship of the HEA, to be submitted in the next six months.