André C. Velásquez Landmann

Biology
Biography
Education
- Ph D, Cornell University
- BS, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina
Teaching Interests
Dr. Velásquez has taught BIOL 333, Cell and Molecular Biology at WCU. Previously, he was also an instructor of PLB 416L, Plant Physiology Laboratory, and BS 161, Cells and Molecules, at Michigan State University.
Research Interests
Dr. Velásquez works in the area of <b>plant–microbiota interactions</b>, where he is interested in the mechanisms that allow bacteria to colonize, multiple and thrive once inside of plant leaves. In nature, due to the scarcity of resources, most non-pathogenic bacteria are in an equilibrium in which their population density numbers are kept static. This static state also applies to virulent bacteria experiencing a strong plant immune response known as Effector-triggered immunity. We plan to identify the mechanisms behind microbiota survival to boost plant colonization by beneficial microbiota and halt colonization by pathogens, thereby increasing agricultural yields and productivity.