Maria Harrison

Maria Harrison is the William H. Crocker Distinguished Scientist at the Boyce Thompson Institute and serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Section of Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology within the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University. Her research program focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying plant-fungal symbiotic relationships, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis.

Harrison's research interests center on biotic interactions and stress responses in plants, with emphasis on how vascular flowering plants form symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Her work investigates the mechanisms of phosphate transfer between symbionts and the development of the symbiotic interface. Using model systems like Medicago truncatula and various AM fungi (Glomus versiforme, Glomus intraradices, and Gigaspora gigantea), her lab employs molecular, cell biology, genetic, and genomic approaches to unravel the complexities of these ancient symbiotic relationships that have existed for over 400 million years.

Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on membrane dynamics at the plant-fungal interface, nutrient exchange mechanisms, and the genetic regulation of symbiosis development. Key research themes include receptor kinase signaling, lipid provisioning in symbiosis, phosphate transport mechanisms, and the molecular dialogue between plant and fungal partners. Harrison's work has significant implications for understanding sustainable nutrient acquisition in plants and potential applications for reducing fertilizer usage in agriculture.

• Elected to the Royal Society (2024)
• Elected to the National Academy of Sciences (2019)
• Dennis R. Hoagland Award from the American Society of Plant Biologists (2015)
• Named William H. Crocker Scientist at Boyce Thompson Institute (2011)

Harrison has received substantial research funding, including a $5 million grant to study genes that help legumes access soil nutrients and a $6.5 million NSF award as co-principal investigator. Her lab has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students, contributing significantly to plant science education and research training. The Harrison lab maintains extensive collaborations with researchers worldwide and has made landmark discoveries about the molecular basis of plant-fungal symbiosis, including the identification of key proteins involved in membrane formation around fungal structures and the discovery that plants supply lipids to their fungal partners.