Jacy Newfeld, MSc

Phytomicrobiologist

My name is Jacy Newfeld, and I’m broadly interested in phytomicrobiology (plant-microbe interactions).  I'm also passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in science, medicine, and research at large.

I'm currently a PhD student with the Hiruma Lab and the Graduate Program on Environmental Sciences at the University of Tokyo.  I'm studying the molecular mechanisms that underlie transitions along the mutualism-pathogenicity continuum using the root-associated fungus Colletotrichum tofieldiae.  Some closely related species within this genus have divergent lifestyles, and some species can switch their lifestyle depending on the environmental conditions.  What mechanistically drives these lifestyle shifts?  This is the fundamental question I'm aiming to answer in my PhD.

I completed my MSc with the Dillon Lab at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology in the University of Toronto.  I studied the evolution of immune evasion and virulence factor dissemination in the bacterial plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae.  I previously completed an honours thesis project with Dr. Jonathan Ruppert at the University of Toronto studying how freshwater fish communities respond to urbanization in composition and function.  I also held a part-time RA with the Prodger Lab at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in the University of Western Ontario, where I supported TransBiota using my experience both as a scientist and as a transfeminine person.  TransBiota broadly studies the vaginal microenvironments and gynecology of transgender individuals who have accessed gender affirming medical care.

Outside of my scientific ambitions, I am an avid language learner ( 🇪🇸🇫🇷🇯🇵🤟 🇸🇮), mushroom enthusiast, and fervent nature lover. I also worked as a barista for a number of years, and I still love making fancy coffees and teas.