Ryoko Oono

Ryoko Oono is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Her research focuses on evolutionary mechanisms underlying plant-microbe symbioses, including legume-rhizobia mutualisms and foliar fungal endophytes. She earned a BA from Carleton College and a PhD in Plant Biology from the University of Minnesota, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Duke University and NC State University studying pine-associated fungal endophytes.

Education

• B.A., Carleton College
• Ph.D., University of Minnesota

Research Interests Ryoko’s lab investigates how symbiotic relationships evolve, combining observational and experimental approaches. Key areas include:

• Evolutionary stability of legume-rhizobia symbiosis
• Host specificity in fungal endophytes of conifers
• Ecological drivers of fungal community diversity
• Restoration of endangered species like bigcone Douglas fir

Grants & Collaborations Her work is funded by NSF, JGI, and EMSL through FICUS grants. She collaborates with institutions including the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and US Forest Service.

Labs & Teams Ryoko leads a multidisciplinary lab emphasizing mentoring across all academic levels. Current projects involve genomic analyses of endophyte communities and ecological restoration strategies for fire-impacted ecosystems.