Jo Rhodes

Accessibility Subcommittee

Radboudumc (the Netherlands)

What is your research interest? What organism do you work with, and what do you want to do in the future?

I work with fungal pathogens, mainly Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, and Candida, which are critical priority pathogens as defined by the WHO. I’m interested in how these pathogens evolve in response to human activity and climate change, including how they become pathogenic and drug-resistant and cause outbreaks. I use a combination of omics technologies to unravel their evolutionary histories and have generated some of the largest genomic datasets for fungal pathogens in the mycology research community. In doing so, I primarily focus on developing and utilizing computational solutions to analyse these large datasets.

In the future, I want to continue to pursue this line of research of anthropogenic impacts on fungal pathogen adaptation, expanding into animal and plant fungal pathogens. I am also keen to pass on my knowledge through teaching, both didactic lectures and hands-on practicals; I believe it is important to share knowledge and train the next generation of scientists.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

I am most drawn to careers that allow me to combine my passions of research, teaching, and science communication. I find immense satisfaction in conducting research to uncover new insights and solve complex problems, and I am equally energized by sharing knowledge with others. Whether it’s mentoring students, designing engaging educational experiences, or communicating science to broader audiences, I value opportunities to inspire curiosity and bridge the gap between scientific discovery and societal understanding. These interests reflect my commitment to advancing both knowledge and the accessibility of science.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

In addition to my research, I aim to advance scientific enterprise by fostering greater inclusivity and collaboration within the field of mycology. I want to mentor diverse talent, create equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups in science, and cultivate environments where diverse perspectives can thrive. Additionally, I am passionate about improving public engagement with science, promoting transparency, and enhancing trust in scientific processes. By combining education, outreach, and advocacy, I hope to ensure that science remains a dynamic, accessible, and impactful force for addressing global challenges.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

As a leader within GSA, I hope to explore and champion initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusivity in genetics research and education. I am particularly interested in learning from existing programs to understand best practices and challenges, with the goal of eventually starting my own initiatives to broaden access to genetics. By fostering collaborations and creating resources that support diverse participation, I aim to contribute to a more equitable community where anyone has the opportunity to engage with, and benefit from, advancements in genetics.

Previous leadership experience

  • Mentoring PhD and MSc students (2018–present)
  • Leading teaching workshops on fungal genomics (2015–present)

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