Dr Mahwish Ejaz
Mahwish completed her PhD (2013–2018) at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, and the University of Düsseldorf under, investigating the genetic control of reproductive development in barley under high temperature. She then held a postdoctoral position at the John Innes Centre, Norwich (2019–2021) on genetic regulation of stem initiation and plant architecture, and since 2022 is working at the Sainsbury Laboratory in Cambridge. Originally from Pakistan, she brings a strong international perspective to student support.
Her research explores how induced cell proliferation and cell size changes remodel tissue geometry and mechanics, and how these shifts influence molecular movement in plant tissues. She develops cell-type-specific Arabidopsis lines with fluorescent protein tags and uses a micro-robot extensometer coupled to confocal microscopy to track growth, division, and tissue biophysics.
Mahwish has supervised in Plant and Microbial Sciences and enjoys supporting students from diverse backgrounds and identities—through practical approaches in study and life based on diverse experiences she had.
German Academic Exchange Program (DAAD) Fellowship (PhD); Royal Society Global Talent Award.
- Ejaz M, Bencivenga S, Tavares R, Bush M, Sablowski R (2021). ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA HOMEOBOX GENE 1 controls plant architecture by locally restricting environmental responses. PNAS 118(17): e2018615118.
- Ejaz M, von Korff M (2017). The genetic control of reproductive development under high ambient temperature. Plant Physiology.
The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge
