Dr Toshi Foster
"I have always been interested in biology..."
Region
Manawatu
Job
Toshi is a senior scientist in the plant development group at HortResearch. One focus of this group is to understand the genetic factors that regulate and control the overall shape of a plant. They study both “model plants” (the lab rats of the plant world — not grown as a crop, but very useful to work on) and horticultural crops such as apple and kiwifruit. This research involves studying DNA, RNA, proteins, plant physiology and cell biology. Toshi particularly enjoys working with scientists from other disciplines such as plant breeders and mathematical modelers.
Career Pathway
Toshi says, “I have always been interested in biology.” She became focused on plant biology during her university studies.
During graduate school (after completing a BSc), she joined a group of biologists studying plant development and how leaves grow into their characteristic shape.
When she moved to New Zealand from California, she became interested in applying knowledge gained from basic research to horticultural practices.
Toshi also worked as a beekeepers assistant at Pohangina Valley Honey, which she says was fascinating, but “Painful enough to get me back into plant biology!”
Interests
Toshi has two young sons who ask her tons of questions about everything. She says, “I love spending time with them and sharing their excitement and curiosity about the world.”
Toshi also enjoys gardening and tramping, partly because she enjoys seeing the wide diversity of plants and how they fit into their environment.
Dr Toshi Foster
- Position
- Senior Scientist
- Field
- Plant biology
- Place of Work
- HortResearch, Palmerston North
