David Chiasson, Ph.D.
David Chiasson, Ph.D.
- B.Sc. (Hons.), St. Francis Xavier University, Canada
- M.Sc., Queen’s University, Canada
- Ph.D., The University of Adelaide, Australia
- Postdoctoral Research, LMU Munich, Germany
- Associate Professor, Department of Biology, Saint Mary's
Research
I study the symbiosis between legume plants and nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria (rhizobia). Rhizobia gain entry into legume roots and subsequently convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into ammonia (nitrogen fixation). Ammonia is then released to the plant, serving as an important source of nitrogen. In return, the plant provides the necessary nutrients to support rhizobial metabolism. In contrast to nitrogen fertilizer production using fossil fuels, nitrogen fixation is a natural process and a key component of sustainable agriculture. I am interested in identifying plant genetic factors which can be harnessed to enhance symbiotic productivity.
Teaching
BIOL1211 Molecular and Cell Biology
BIOL2303 Plant Biology
BIOL3398 Microbiology
BIOL4416 Fungal Biology
BIOL4549 Honours Seminar
BIOL4887 Synthetic Biology