Emilyn Matsumura

Emilyn Matsumura is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Virology (VIR), specializing in virology, plant-microbe interactions, and biotechnological applications. Her research focuses on viral evolution, RNA silencing mechanisms, and biocontrol strategies targeting plant pathogens and aphids. She collaborates internationally on projects such as the 'Plug & Play' initiative combining virus-derived vectors with microalgae platforms. Co-promoting three active PhD projects, she mentors students in areas like chloroplast-based virus resistance and phloem-based aphid control.

Key research interests include viral transmission dynamics, trans-kingdom RNA communication, and sustainable bioproduct development. Recent work highlights include the plant virus transmissions database and studies on Flock House Virus as a biocontrol tool. She has presented on topics like gene expression changes in Bemisia tabaci induced by virus-derived small RNAs.