BSc (Biotech) (Hons), PhD (Plant Phys) Joanne grew up in Armidale in northern NSW, before moving to Melbourne, VIC, to complete an undergraduate degree in Science (Hons) at Monash University. In her PhD at La Trobe University, she investigated the expression and processing of storage proteins in seeds of the model species Arabidopsis thaliana. Following her PhD, Joanne spent 6 years as a Postdoc and Research Associate at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, first studying plant reproductive biology, then receiving a Ministry of Saskatchewan Agricultural Development Fund grant to improve germination traits in canola and soybean. Joanne joined SAEVS as a Lecturer in plant science in 2022. Her current research interests include the genomics and proteomics of plant evolution, response to abiotic stress, and plant reproduction and seed traits. Joanne is passionate about science education and was nominated for the prestigious La Trobe VC’s Teaching Award in 2015. Joanne’s teaching interests and experience include: In addition to lecturing in various plant science subjects at CSU, Joanne runs an interactive seminar for schools and community events, advocating for the use of genetic technologies in farming and food production. Joanne’s research focuses on plant systems biology, and the interactions between plant genetics, environment, and phenotype. In 2020, she was awarded a $900k grant from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture to engineer improved germination and seedling establishment traits in canola and soybean. In 2023, Joanne was awarded the CSU Tri-Faculty Early Career Researcher Grant to uncover the genetic components underlying the phenomenon of “de-vernalisation” in a panel of wheat lines. Joanne is currently developing a research program at CSU, and is actively seeking research opportunities and partnerships. Her research interests include:
Agriculture
Dr Joanne Ashnest
Lecturer in Plant Science
Wagga Wagga
Building 286, Room 203