Dr. Kaisa Kajala

Associate Professor

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Biography

Kaisa Kajala is an Associate Professor at Utrecht University, focusing on plant development related to environmental adaptations. Her research investigates the molecular mechanisms governing plant cell types and their responses to environmental changes, which are vital for developing resilient crops. Kajala has explored model crops such as legumes, maize, and tomato, emphasizing traits like drought and flooding tolerance. She also works on understanding plant neighbour detection, examining how plants sense and respond to light and touch cues from neighboring plants, which can significantly impact their growth and yield. Her past research includes generating a comprehensive gene expression atlas for tomato roots during her postdoctoral tenure at the University of California, Davis. In her PhD at the University of Cambridge, she studied the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in specific plant species.

Research Interests

Experience

Postdoctoral Researcher

2018-01-01 — 2021-01-01

Brady Lab, University of California, Davis • Davis, CA

Conducted research on tomato root gene expression as part of the Integrative Plasticity project, focusing on stress-responsive cell development.

Associate Professor

2021-01-01 — Present

Utrecht University • Utrecht, NL

Leading research on molecular mechanisms of plant development and responses to environmental stress.

Requirements for Utrecht University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:93
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Advanced knowledge of research methods and statistics
Application Checklist
  • Transcript of records
  • Motivation letter
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Proof of English proficiency
Specialization Notes

Department of Psychology