With Researcher Spotlights, the Microbial Systems Initiative aims to introduce you to the breadth and diversity of research interests and potential growth opportunities at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. We hope that by highlighting both the researchers and their research, we can help you to learn more about and connect with your colleagues to enhance multidisciplinary research and education in microbial sciences here at Illinois.
Santiago Mideros, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Crop Sciences
Santiago Mideros is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Crop Sciences, where he leads research in plant pathology focused on fungal and oomycete plant pathogens. His lab develops precision disease management techniques based on genetic information from both the host and pathogen. Mideros’ research focuses on identifying pathogen strains, understanding their diversity, and characterizing the genes responsible for aggressiveness and virulence. His work has made significant strides in understanding the genetic determinants of disease in key crops like wheat, maize, and soybeans. Through cutting-edge genomic techniques such as skim sequencing and advanced phenotyping, he aims to develop tools for detecting pathogens and managing diseases more efficiently. Mideros earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology from Cornell University and an M.S. in Plant Pathology from The Ohio State University. In addition to his research, he is passionate about teaching courses on field crop diseases, advanced plant pathology, and plant disease management.
Do you have a personal story to share or path that led to your interest in this area of study?
I was in college when I took my first class in plant pathology. I got to learn for the first time about fungi and how to identify them using a microscope. Fungi are fascinating in their almost alien-looking forms, and I just fell in love with learning more about these mysterious creatures that threaten our food supply.
How will your work help to improve society or reach people?
I like having a solid connection to what is practically essential in agriculture. We solve practical problems in plant diseases so that growers can have more tools to protect their crops. We also work on more basic research that might lead us to more sustainable crop production practices. However, to reach society, we need to get out there, connect directly with the growers, and show them our research.
What part can researchers in your field play, in and out of the lab, in addressing current local, national, and/or global challenges?
One of the significant challenges affecting my field is how to reduce the negative environmental impacts of crop production while maintaining food security.
Part of MSI’s mission is to support high quality education and professional development experiences for trainees. How do you support this mission through your teaching and mentorship?
I teach a class on plant pathology and one on professional development. A mentor's role is to guide towards high-quality research and develop our workforce. To be adequate mentors, we must work on research experiences and individual development plans for trainees of all levels.
How does being part of the microbial systems community (MSI) impact your research?
Microbial communities, pathogen interactions, and microbiome research are essential to all systems, from agriculture to zootecnia. I learn and hope to collaborate with researchers on campus who are experts on microbial communities in other systems.
Do you want to tell us about any projects or activities that you are particularly excited about right now?
I am excited about a project to reduce mycotoxin contamination in maize ears. Mycotoxins produced by some plant pathogens can affect our health or producers' incomes if the grain is rejected due to contamination. With collaborators, we would like to characterize the microbial communities in the maize ear and develop communities that can keep the mycotoxin-producing pathogens out of the plant.
