Oliver Pescott BSc. (Hons) MSB
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uSpace:
APS Postgrad
uSpace:
Field Botany
| Contact: E-mail: |
C45 Department of Animal and Plant Sciences Alfred Denny Building University of Sheffield Western Bank Sheffield S10 2TN o.pescott {at} sheffield.ac.uk |
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Introduction
Hello. I am a postgraduate student at the University of Sheffield in the lab of Professor Julie Scholes, co-supervised by Professor Roger Butlin. I am funded by the BBSRC. Thanks for your interest in my page!
Research
| I am studying genetic diversity in the hemiparasitic
plant Striga
hermonthica (Giant Witchweed). Striga hermonthica parasitises a range of the most important staple food crops in sub-Saharan Africa (including upland rice, maize and sorghum), and as such is a major threat to the food security of Africa's poorest people. My research will investigate the molecular genetic basis of virulence in S. hermonthica, especially in relation to host specificity (different levels of virulence between different host species or crop cultivars). This is being achieved within a population genomics framework. |  |
Areas of Interest
I am mainly interested in plant genetics, ecology and taxonomy. Having spent some time working at the Centre for Evidence-based Conservation, I am also interested in research synthesis, e.g. meta-analytical and Bayesian methods.
More generally, I am an enthusiastic field botanist (including bryology) and general naturalist. I also try to keep up with developments in urban ecology, and, of course, conservation biology. Otherwise I read whatever looks interesting!
I have recently started a Field Botany group here at the University, so, if you live in the Sheffield area, and fancy joining us on excursions, then please do send me an email. I recently achieved a Level 4 in the BSBI's Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC), and I am especially keen to help beginners.
I am also interesting in spreading the word about science and natural history, and I have worked for the RSPB showing the public birds, and leading wildlife walks. I am trying to further this aim by becoming a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Ambassador: see STEMNET for further information.
