Gabriella Pessi

Dr. Gabriella Pessi is a Lecturer at the University of Zurich's Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, leading research on beneficial plant-microbe interactions, particularly nitrogen-fixing symbioses involving Paraburkholderia species. Her work integrates functional genomics (Tn-Seq, RNA-Seq, proteomics) to elucidate mechanisms of symbiosis establishment, bacterial competitiveness, and environmental resilience. Key projects include SNF-funded studies on beta-rhizobia symbiosis and ESA-backed research on space farming applications. Collaborators include institutions like ETH Zurich and the James Hutton Institute. Her lab explores how Paraburkholderia strains outcompete pathogens, adapt to climate change stresses, and thrive in microgravity. Teaching roles include courses on microbiology, bacterial social behavior, and systemic microbiology.

Research interests focus on rhizobia-legume interactions, bacterial stress responses, and biofilm formation. Recent studies highlight T6SS systems' roles in symbiotic competitiveness and microgravity-induced metabolic shifts. While no formal awards are listed, her grants reflect significant academic recognition. Future work aims to translate findings into sustainable agricultural practices and extraterrestrial crop systems.