Dr. Nicole M. van Dam

My aim is to unravel the chemical and molecular mechanisms governing multitrophic interactions associated with plants. I specifically focus on interactions between aboveground and belowground herbivores via induced plant responses. I use metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches as well as manipulative experiments to study these interactions in the greenhouse as well as in the field. Eventually my research will contribute to advance ecological-evolutionary theories on optimal defence allocation in plants. Moreover, the findings of my research contribute to finding novel approaches for integrated pest management and sustainable agriculture.