USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Grant Investigates “A Proteomics Approach to Identify Novel Biopesticides in Oomycete Secretomes”

 

Aurelien Tartar, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Biological Science in NSU’s Halmos College of Arts & Sciences. He was recently funded by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for his project titled “A Proteomics Approach to Identify Novel Biopesticides in Oomycete Secretomes.”

 

Tell me about your recent grant-funded project.

I am currently on a sabbatical grant to learn proteomics and craft a future pilot study for submission to USDA. I have submitted a grant application to this agency three times before but didn’t have the experience necessary to receive the grant. As a result, I reconfigured my proposal and submitted to a grant competition that funds researchers to participate in scientific trainings, in this case, to become more skilled in proteomics (the study of proteins in a sample).

 

This training will better equip me to write stronger grant proposals in the future. With this development grant, I received funding for six months that will allow me to attend a proteomics workshop for three days at the University of Minnesota and continue developing my skills afterward.

 

Who is working with you on this project? What expertise do you bring?

I  have been studying insect microbe relationships for many years. For 15 years, my lab has been involved in genomics and sequencing DNA/RNA. I received my PhD in entomology which investigates insects and what molecules kill insects. In my lab we’ve analyzed biocontrol agents (microbes) to search for genes that are effective to manufacture new insecticides.

 

How does this grant intersect with your work at NSU?

This learning opportunity will not only be for me, but also for the students working in my lab who I can then transfer my knowledge to. If I can become good at proteomics, I can use this technology for future research and, in doing so, give my students the opportunity to learn technology that will help them in the job market.

 

Additionally, I teach classes on genomics and DNA/RNA sequencing. Part of these classes is researching the technologies being used in the field specifically weighing their limitations and strengths, and considering new, developing technologies as well.

 

What advice do you have for other grant seekers at NSU?

You have to be stubborn and keep at it. I submitted to this agency three times before acceptance and found it helpful to review the comments from reviewers about what I could do better so I could turn these negative comments into something I could use. Reconfigure your proposals to meet the objectives and comments discussed in the feedback you receive, and also connect with the agency’s grant program directors to discuss their expectations and improve your grant proposal.

 

What is the next grant proposal or project on your agenda and what is the next step in this project or a related one?

I will be taking another sabbatical next semester to write proposals that use my new knowledge on proteomics combined with my previous expertise. For future research, I need to apply for more funds to turn this pilot project into a full project so I can purchase the necessary technology and supplies.