My work focuses on the genetic control of sulphur metabolism in broccoli, in particular the production of secondary plant metabolites known as glucosinolates. This is a PhD project co-supervised by Professor Richard Mithen at the Quadram Institute and Professor Lars Østergaard at the John Innes Centre. I aim to characterize the role of a major R2R3 MYB transcription factor in regulation of glucosinolate biosynthesis in novel broccoli lines, developed for health-promoting potential. These broccoli lines are used in the series of human intervention trials conducted by members of the Mithen Group.

Prior to my PhD I undertook a research project with Professor David Twell at the University of Leicester, where I completed a genetics degree, studying transcription factors responsible for sperm cell production in plants.

Key Publications

Traka, M. H., Saha, S., Huseby, S., Kopriva, S., Walley, P. G., Barker, G. C., … & Kelly, L. (2013). Genetic regulation of glucoraphanin accumulation in Beneforté® broccoli. New Phytologist, 198(4), 1085-1095.