Topp-Johnson researches whether fungi can make corn stronger

If her project succeeds, it may be possible to grow corn on Mars

Noah Solomon, Staff Writer|December 12, 2016

Reprinted with Permission from Emilia Topp-Johnson

Junior Emilia Topp-Johnson introduces fungal endophytes into corn plants. She has been doing this work on the University of Minnesota for 5 years. “This year, I intend to conduct a more long term series of projects around the theme of terraformation, the end goal of which would be to further the understanding of what it would take to cultivate plants on Mars,” Topp-Johnson said.

Q: Where does a corn cob go to get an education?

A: Corn-ell University.

Where does junior Emilia Topp-Johnson go to conduct research about corn?

The answer is at the University of Minnesota.

Immersing herself in the opportunity of independent research, Topp-Johnson works with maize crops and fungi, two things she is passionate about.  

“I have been researching fungi called fungal endophytes and their ability to mitigate abiotic and biotic stress in maize. Basically, I introduced fungi into corn and saw if it helped the corn to survive drought, extreme heat, and resist harmful fungi,” Topp-Johnson said.

This project has been the main focus of her U of M research for a while now, and Topp-Johnson sometimes faces challenges finding time for her research.

“I have been doing my research since 7th grade, about 5 years. Normally, when I am in the midst of a research project I go [to the university] about two or three days per week. I try to spend as much time as I can in the lab, but it is definitely challenging to schedule around school, sports, and other extracurriculars.”

Topp-Johnson has the luxury of working in the lab of a professor and surrounds herself with experienced students and staff from the U of M.

“I work in the lab of Dr. Georgiana May, but when I am doing my projects I often arrange my time with a plethora of lab techs and grad students since I am familiar with the procedures, but need to be supervised at all times because of University of Minnesota high school research regulations,” Topp-Johnson said.

Topp-Johnson stresses the importance of her work in the lab and the effect that this experience has had on her: “This experience has really change my life. [It] allowed me to discover my interest in the research process. I have no doubt that my educational choices and job after will be centered around scientific research,” she said.

Topp-Johnson urges other students to engage in and pursue their interests, whether it be science or any other field.

“Absolutely, I recommend this to any student that has an interest that they’re passionate about pursuing and is willing to face rejection and failure in pursuit of that interest.”

Topp-Johnson has big plans for the future and wants to take action to literally expand her (and our) horizons.

“This year, I intend to conduct a more long term series of projects around the theme of terraformation, the end goal of which would be to further the understanding of what it would take to cultivate plants on Mars,” Topp-Johnson said.

Corn kernels may be small, but they have clearly filled Topp-Johnson’s mind with big ideas that could solve large problems and even kickstart interstellar settling.