Clyde Yan

Education

University of Toronto Mississauga (September 2013 – June 2018)

• Honours Bachelor of Science
• Double Major in Biology and Environmental Science
• Research Experience:
  • Research Opportunity Program student
  • Research assistant in Sasa Stefanovic Lab
  • Teaching greenhouse volunteer
• Awards:
  • 2018 Ontario Biology Day – 1^st Place for Best Poster in the Science Education Section

University of Guelph (2018-present)

• MSc candidate
• Department: Plant Agriculture
• Research: Management of head smut (Tilletia maclaganii) on switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Research Details

Head smut (caused by pathogen Tilletia maclaganii) is a growing concern to switchgrass growers in Ontario. Head smut is a relatively new disease (especially in Ontario) so there has been very little research done on both the disease and causal pathogen. My project focuses on determining the extent of head smut in Ontario switchgrass fields, the susceptibility of various switchgrass cultivars to head smut, as well as comparing the growth and biomass yield of various switchgrass cultivars in the field, when grown with or without another grass species. In addition, I am also trying out various inoculation methods for this pathogen. Hopefully the results will help future researchers working with this pathogen.