معرفی
Zhongwei Zou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science, Wilfrid Laurier University. His work focuses on plant breeding, genetics, and plant-microbe interactions, with a specific emphasis on improving crop resilience to climate change and disease using CRISPR/Cas9 and other biotechnological tools. He leads the Zou Lab, where ongoing research addresses blackleg and verticillium stripe in canola, as well as white mold in soybean.
Education:
- PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics – Tohoku University, Japan (under Prof. Takeshi Nishio)
- MSc – Nanjing Agricultural University, China
- BSc – Anhui Agricultural University, China
Research Interests:
Zhongwei Zou’s research integrates molecular biology, genomics, and biotechnology to address challenges in agriculture. His lab uses CRISPR/Cas9 multiplex genome editing to study gene function in Brassica napus (canola), particularly in response to biotic and abiotic stress. His team also explores biological control agents to manage diseases like white mold in canola and soybean, aiming to enhance food safety, security, and sustainability.
His work is supported by major funding bodies including NSERC Discovery Grants, the Canola Agronomic Research Program (CARP), Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative, and Mitacs Accelerate. These grants fund projects such as understanding plant-pathogen interactions under climate change, developing disease-resistant crops, and exploring biocontrol strategies.
Scientific Awards and Grants:
- NSERC Discovery Grant (2024–2029)
- NSERC Discovery Grant Early Career Researcher Supplement (2024–2030)
- Canola Agronomic Research Program (CARP) – Canola Council of Canada & Western Grains Research Foundation
- Grain Farmers of Ontario Proposal (2024–2027)
- Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (2024–2027)
- Mitacs Accelerate Proposals (2024–2027)
Lab and Teams:
Zou leads the Zou Lab at Laurier, which is actively engaged in both fundamental and applied plant science. The lab collaborates with national and international partners and offers student opportunities for graduate and undergraduate research. Students interested in plant pathology, CRISPR applications, and sustainable agriculture are encouraged to reach out for supervision.
