Dr. Olivia Wilkins leads the Plant Systems Biology research group at the University of Manitoba. She received her PhD from the University of Toronto in 2010. From 2011 to 2015, she was a postdoctoral researcher at the Centre for Genomics and Systems Biology at New York University. In 2015, she was a Visiting Scientist at the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT. In 2013, she was awarded a Basic Research to Enable Agricultural Development Award from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2016, she joined the Faculty at McGill University, and in 2019 she joined the Faculty at the University of Manitoba. She is an Associate Editor at Genome (Canadian Science Publishing). She is also a Core Network Participant in the Plant Cell Atlas. 

Sean is interested in how plant cells perceive and process information about their environment. His thesis focuses on using gene regulatory network prediction to understand spatial responses to drought across the rice leaf. When he’s not in the lab, you can catch him on his patio with a book and his cat Niffler.

Chi is interested in the high-throughput identification of microbial inoculants with plant growth promoting properties. Chi aims to apply and expand her knowledge in microbiology to determine the inoculants that can increase crop yields, to elucidate the plant-microbe interactions, and to learn more about plant biology. Outside of research, Chi enjoys cooking, going to concerts and comedy shows, and relaxing with her cat Shallot.

Ni is a Masters student interested in plant-microbe interactions, particularly in how microbes can enhance plant growth and health. Outside of academics, Ni enjoys hiking in nature and spending time with her cat, Tibbers. 

Kevin is a Master's student studying how plant-microbe interactions reshape the host transcriptome. His research focuses on identifying beneficial bacterial strains that improve plant growth during abiotic stresses, with the long-term goal of applying his knowledge in plant genetics to protect Canada's forests from endemic pathogens. Outside the lab, Kevin enjoys cooking, tending to his plants, hiking, and fishing.

Karthika is a fifth-year Biochemistry Hons. Co-op student with a strong interest in plant specialized metabolites and their role in enhancing plant resilience under drought stress. Outside of her studies, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and cafés and spending time with her cat, Milo.

Camilo is a 5th year Undergraduate Genetics student. He is interested in studying how plants respond to environmental stressors. He is excited to analyze how plants produce different metabolites that can help them thrive in climate change conditions. Apart from research, Camilo enjoys working out, hiking, and learning about other topics.

Farkhat is a fifth year Microbiology honours Co-Op student interested in microbial interaction with plants and metabolites they produce to enhance growth. Outside university he enjoys spending time by painting and reading.