Rebecca (BeKa) Leuschen-Kohl

I earned my Ph.D. in Botany and Plant Pathology from Purdue University, where my research focused on how Solanaceous (tomato and pepper) roots recognize bacteria and trigger broad-spectrum immune responses. In Fall 2025, I joined the Wagner Lab at the University of Kansas as a KU Center for Genomics Fellow and NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biology. My current work explores maize-microbiome interactions and how plant immune receptors shape these relationships, with the goal of applying molecular insights to enhance agricultural resilience. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time outdoors, trying new recipes, playing board games, and watching or playing soccer.