Written by: Lana Vogrinec
In October 2025, I received a FEMS Research and Training Grant, which I used for a 1-month visit of the laboratory of prof. Carolyn M. Malmstrom at Michigan State University. The Malmstrom lab is known for their expertise in various fields, including plant and microbial ecology, virus biology and statistical modelling. One of their focuses is understanding how viruses interact with their hosts and the environment, which aligns closely with my research interests. Throughout my visit, I concentrated on learning advanced statistical methods and using this new knowledge to analyze the data I have collected during my PhD to better understand the ecological implications of my findings. I have also attended various seminars, gave a presentation about my research and met with experts from different fields to discuss my work. Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in exciting field work experiments, including harvesting switchgrass and sampling leafhoppers and other insects. Overall, the experience was overwhelmingly positive, both for the wealth of knowledge I gained and for the warm and welcoming community at MSU.
