Mema o Te Apārangi | Member profile: Moon Chen
In this month’s Member profile, we hear from Moon Chen, who is Vice President of the Hawke’s Bay Branch of the Society.
Tell us about your role and the organisation you are employed at:
I am a student researcher working with the breeding team at the Hawke's Bay site of Plant & Food Research. My research focuses on developing new apple cultivars with resistance to fire blight disease and reduced chilling requirements to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The reason for this focus is the increasing challenge posed by warmer winters, which result in insufficient chilling hours necessary for the dormancy release in apples, and the extended fire blight infection period that overlaps with the apple-growing season.
The methods applied in my research include biotechnological techniques, QTL mapping, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and RNA-seq to identify and exploit genetic regions that control these important traits. I look forward to outcomes that will enhance breeding efficiency and lead to the development of resilient apple cultivars, ensuring sustainable apple production in the face of climate change.
How have you been involved with the Hawke’s Bay Branch of the Society?
I have been involved with the Hawke's Bay Branch of Royal Society Te Apārangi for the past four years, serving on the committee. Part of my motivation to join was that my dormancy research was funded by the government's Catalyst Fund, managed by Royal Society Te Apārangi. This support inspired me to contribute to the Branch, where I help organise public lectures and promote them to the community.
Tell us about the Hawke's Bay Branch’s goals for 2024:
The Hawke's Bay Branch is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, marking a significant milestone in its history. Our goals for 2024 include strengthening connections with local schools, supporting initiatives like the House of Science, and enhancing our outreach through platforms such as Hawke’s Bay Scientists on Air. We aim to inspire the young generation's interest in science and increase public awareness of how scientific research contributes to daily life.
What has been a defining highlight of your career?
The research I am involved with has the potential to significantly improve apple breeding programmes, leading to the development of cultivars with improved fire-blight resistance and more climate resilience, which will enable sustainable apple production in New Zealand.
What were the contributing factors for choosing to work in the field of science?
My passion for science was ignited by a fascination with the natural world and a desire to understand the underlying mechanisms driving biological processes. Additionally, the opportunity to address real-world challenges, such as the impact of climate change on agriculture, has been a key motivator in my pursuit of a career in science.
When not working, I enjoy...
When not working, I enjoy traveling, exploring the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. I am also doing a small breeding project on air plants (Tillandsia spp.) and love discovering new restaurants, cooking delicious food, and sharing meals with friends.