Jéssica Teodoro Paulo

My research interests range from eco-evo, plant-herbivore interactions and plant science. My PhD is focused on plant-herbivore interactions, especially on the ability of spider mites (Tetranychus genus) to suppress plant defences. During my project I will study genetic variation and trait plasticity in Tetranychus evansi, a destructive tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) pest that suppresses host defences, and its natural defence-inducing competitor T. urticae. My project is being conducted in collaboration with Carlos Fernandes at CE3C, Alison Ducan at ISEM (University of Montpellier) and with Merijn Kant at IBED (University of Amsterdam). In my spare time, you can find me travelling the world and practising Chinese martial arts, such as Kung Fu and Tai Chi.